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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Austin is 3% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,655/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 9%
$91,461/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 10%
$512,700 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$482,200 ↓ 6%
$1,747/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 10%
967,862
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $155/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,860/year.

Median household income is $9,524/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Thornton — common questions

Is Austin or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Thornton?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $155/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Thornton?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $9,524/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 Austin or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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