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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Garland is 30% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,525/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 19%
$74,717/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 35%
$248,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 94%
$1,445/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 32%
245,298
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $26,268/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Thornton — common questions

Is Garland or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Thornton?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Thornton?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $26,268/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 Garland or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Thornton details →

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