Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Amarillo is 69% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,049/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 73%
$62,469/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 62%
$186,800 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 158%
$1,074/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 78%
200,945
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $38,516/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Thornton — common questions

Is Amarillo or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Thornton?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Thornton?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $38,516/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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