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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Thornton is 19% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,810/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 8%
$100,985/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 2%
$482,200 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 27%
$1,914/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 12%
142,878
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $1,870/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Thornton or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Carrollton?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Carrollton?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $1,870/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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Carrollton

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman