Cost of Living in Thornton, CA

With a cost of living index of 102, Thornton, CA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 2% more expensive than the national average and 42% below the California state average of 144. Thornton is a small community of 815 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Thornton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $898 (32% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $455,300 (49% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 9.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Thornton is $47,917, which is 36% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Thornton. The area sees an average annual temperature of 61.8°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 49°F. Annual rainfall totals 18.1 inches spread over roughly 58 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Stockton-Lodi, CA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.