Is Thornton, CO cheaper than Lancaster, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Thornton, CO is 26.2% cheaper than Lancaster, CA. This translates to saving $1964 per month.

What salary do I need in Thornton, CO to live like I do in Lancaster, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, CA, you'd need approximately $126,434.136 in Thornton, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, CA and Thornton, CO?

Housing in Thornton, CO is 51.3% cheaper than in Lancaster, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,748/month in Thornton, CO compared to $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lancaster, CA to Thornton, CO?

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Thornton, CO could save you approximately $1964 per month, or $23566 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, CA vs Thornton, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lancaster, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Thornton, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.4K in Thornton, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 26.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,964

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$412K

Thornton, CO

Population:145K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$417K

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 166K residents.

Thornton, CO

The Centennial State

145K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 145K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lancaster, CA vs Thornton, CO

Category	Lancaster, CA	Thornton, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,789/mo	$2,822/mo	↓ $2,967less	51.3%
Transportation	$1,792/mo	$1,411/mo	↓ $381less	21.2%
Other	$1,437/mo	$1,713/mo	↑ $276more	19.2%
Healthcare	$505/mo	$621/mo	↑ $116more	23.0%
Groceries	$948/mo	$1,011/mo	↑ $63.50more	6.7%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$510/mo	↑ $2.23more	0.4%

Housing

↓ 51.3%

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Thornton, CO

$2,822

Difference

$2,967

less

Transportation

↓ 21.2%

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Thornton, CO

$1,411

Difference

$381

less

Other

↑ 19.2%

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Thornton, CO

$1,713

Difference

$276

Healthcare

↑ 23.0%

Lancaster, CA

$505

Thornton, CO

$621

Difference

$116

Groceries

↑ 6.7%

Lancaster, CA

$948

Thornton, CO

$1,011

Difference

$63.50

All Utilities

↑ 0.4%

Lancaster, CA

$508

Thornton, CO

$510

Difference

$2.23

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,016

To$1,378

↑ $362

1 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,469

↑ $319

2 Bed

From$1,461

To$1,748

↑ $287

3 Bed

From$1,870

To$2,289

↑ $419

Lancaster, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$1,630/mo

Thornton, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,790–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$8,088

Monthly in Thornton, CO

$2,890

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Thornton

$412K

Median Value

$417K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.5%

↑ +29.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.7%

Homes in Thornton are 1% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster Calculate payment - Thornton

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$336

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Lancaster, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Thornton, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lancaster, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Thornton, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.