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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

McAllen is 72% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,017/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 78%
$60,165/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 68%
$173,800 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 177%
$996/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 92%
143,789
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $793/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $9,516/year.

Median household income is $40,820/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Thornton — common questions

Is McAllen or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Thornton?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $793/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Thornton?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $40,820/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 McAllen or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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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