Cost of Living: Thornton, CO vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Richmond

California
161

Thornton is 14% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,810/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 5%
$100,985/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 11%
$482,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 35%
$1,914/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 5%
142,878
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Thornton, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $10,947/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Richmond — common questions

Is Thornton or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Richmond?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Richmond?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $10,947/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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