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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Denton is 28% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,344/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 35%
$73,719/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 37%
$325,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 48%
$1,461/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 31%
146,987
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $27,266/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Thornton — common questions

Is Denton or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Thornton?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Thornton?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $27,266/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 Denton or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Thornton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Thornton

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton