Is Thornton, CO cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Thornton, CO is 28.1% cheaper than Palmdale, CA. This translates to saving $2109 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $124,689.454 in Thornton, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Thornton, CO is 52.5% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,748/month in Thornton, CO compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

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

Moving from Palmdale, CA to Thornton, CO could save you approximately $2109 per month, or $25311 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Palmdale, 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 Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Thornton, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.7K in Thornton, CO

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

Overall Cost

↓ 28.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,109

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.3K

Per year

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Thornton, CO

Population:145K

Cost Index:

(28% below avg)

Median Home:$417K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K 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: Palmdale, CA vs Thornton, CO

Category	Palmdale, CA	Thornton, CO	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$2,822/mo	↓ $3,123less	52.5%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$1,411/mo	↓ $429less	23.3%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,713/mo	↑ $237more	16.1%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$621/mo	↑ $110more	21.4%
Groceries	$960/mo	$1,011/mo	↑ $50.80more	5.3%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$510/mo	↓ $4.57less	0.9%

Housing

↓ 52.5%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Thornton, CO

$2,822

Difference

$3,123

less

Transportation

↓ 23.3%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Thornton, CO

$1,411

Difference

$429

less

Other

↑ 16.1%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Thornton, CO

$1,713

Difference

$237

Healthcare

↑ 21.4%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Thornton, CO

$621

Difference

$110

Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Thornton, CO

$1,011

Difference

$50.80

All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Thornton, CO

$510

Difference

$4.57

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,333

To$1,378

↑ $45.00

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,469

↓ $24.00

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,748

↓ $114

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$2,289

↓ $73.00

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/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.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$8,088

Monthly in Thornton, CO

$3,159

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Thornton

$489K

Median Value

$417K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.5%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +19.7%

Homes in Thornton are 15% less expensive than Palmdale

Calculate payment - Palmdale 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

Palmdale, 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

Palmdale, 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.