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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Thornton is 94% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,810/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 39%
$100,985/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 38%
$482,200 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 63%
$1,914/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
142,878
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $38,265/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Thornton or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Abilene?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $704/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Abilene?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $38,265/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Thornton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Abilene

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland