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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Houston is 36% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,313/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 38%
$62,894/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 61%
$253,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 90%
$1,316/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 45%
2,300,419
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $38,091/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Thornton — common questions

Is Houston or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Thornton?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Thornton?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $38,091/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 Houston or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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