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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Mesquite is 36% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,407/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 29%
$71,843/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 41%
$226,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 113%
$1,383/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 38%
148,848
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $29,142/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Thornton — common questions

Is Mesquite or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Thornton?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Thornton?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $29,142/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 Mesquite or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/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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