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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Arlington is 31% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,389/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 30%
$73,519/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 37%
$276,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 74%
$1,420/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 35%
394,769
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $27,466/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Thornton — common questions

Is Arlington or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Thornton?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Thornton?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $27,466/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 Arlington or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
View Arlington details → View Thornton details →

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