2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Thornton, CO vs Santa Maria, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Santa Maria older or younger than people in Thornton?
- The Median Age in Santa Maria is 4.5 years younger than in Thornton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Santa Maria or Thornton?
- Santa Maria housing costs are 11.9% more expensive than Thornton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Santa Maria or Thornton?
- The average commute for residents of Santa Maria is 9.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Thornton.

Things to do in Thornton?
Thornton, Colorado is a vibrant city located in the northern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Cattail Creek Park and The Double Header Little League Park, visitors can explore outdoor activities and sports when visiting Thornton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Greasewood Flat Schoolhouse. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Thornton has something for everyone!

Things to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, California is a vibrant city located in Santa Barbara County. From its stunning coastal landscape to its various cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in Santa Maria! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Pismo Beach or takein some culture at places like the Allan Hancock College Museum of Natural History. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse sites like the Fremont Theater or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Taqueria Don Beto or Mingos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, Santa Maria makes for an unforgettable experience!

 Thornton, COSanta Maria, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock109,309329,725,481
 Median Income$86,818  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$504,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock11.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.22  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Thornton    5 Reviews

Good place. Very suburbany (similar to the Springs). The houses are very small and old and yet still very expensive (albeit cheaper than southern Denver). Actually lots  More

   |    Reply

Over 5 years ago

I like Denver metro, but some cities aren’t too great. Thornton being one of them. Moved here because of highway access, and convenience to DIA for business travel. Am  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

The quality of life here in not good. The traffic is bad all the time. To try to get to the mountains takes forever! Also most lakes along the front range you can't even  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Thornton

Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

   |    Reply

I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

   |    Reply

The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Santa Maria


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.