Moving from Downey, CA to Thornton, CO
The drive from Downey, CA to Thornton, CO runs 1028 mi β about 18h 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.
1028 mi Β· 18h 3m by car Β· CO β UT β AZ β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β UT β AZ β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 15, I 15 ALT |
| Major cities en route | Westminster, Boulder, Denver, Aurora, Centennial |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Downey | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 113.566 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.589 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 106.623 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 170.433 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Thornton is 6.9% cheaper than Downey 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 6.9% below Downey β $888,710 vs $502,945 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Downey +1.2%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Downey | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.0" | 14.5" |
Climate cools by 12.5Β°F on the annual average β 64.9Β°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: LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Downey | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,793 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $87,400 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 37 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.88 |
Income steps up 6.9%: $87,400 in Downey 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 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Downey?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $888,710 in Downey β a 43.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Downey?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $50,490 in the Downey MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 6,185,570 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Thornton more expensive than Downey?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 6.9% lower than Downey (105.782 vs 113.566, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Thornton, CO from Downey, CA?
The driving distance is 1028 mi and the route typically takes 18h 3m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Downey to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1028 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Downey vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $87,400 in Downey β a 15.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Downey.
City profiles: Downey, CA Β· Thornton, CO.