Moving from Concord, CA to Thornton, CO
The drive from Concord, CA to Thornton, CO runs 1226 mi β about 21h 3m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1226 mi Β· 21h 3m by car Β· CO β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Thornton is 8.5% cheaper than Concord overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Thornton is 8.5% below Concord β $742,769 vs $502,945 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 14.5" |
Climate cools by 9.6Β°F on the annual average β 62.0Β°F β 52.4Β°F.
Thornton averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.88 |
Income steps down 8.5%: $109,195 in Concord vs $100,985 in Thornton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Concord vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $109,195 in Concord β a 7.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 2,422,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Thornton more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 8.5% lower than Concord (105.782 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1226 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $742,769 in Concord β a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Thornton, CO from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 1226 mi and the route typically takes 21h 3m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Thornton, CO.