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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Plano is 4% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,792/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 1%
$108,649/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 7%
$440,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 9%
$1,829/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 5%
287,339
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,664/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Thornton — common questions

Is Plano or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Thornton?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Thornton?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $7,664/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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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