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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

McKinney and Thornton have a similar cost of living.

$1,841/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↓ 2%
$120,273/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 16%
$439,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 10%
$2,101/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↓ 9%
202,314
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,288/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Thornton — common questions

Is McKinney or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Thornton?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Thornton?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $19,288/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Thornton details →

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