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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Thornton is 52% more expensive than College Station.

$1,810/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 35%
$100,985/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 49%
$482,200 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 32%
$1,914/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 35%
142,878
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $49,209/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs College Station — common questions

Is Thornton or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and College Station?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or College Station?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $49,209/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and College Station

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette