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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Dallas is 30% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,403/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 29%
$67,760/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 49%
$295,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 63%
$1,409/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 36%
1,299,553
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $33,225/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Thornton — common questions

Is Dallas or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Thornton?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Thornton?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $33,225/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 Dallas or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Thornton details →

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