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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Thornton is 39% more expensive than Midland.

$1,810/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 22%
$100,985/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 10%
$482,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 38%
$1,914/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 23%
142,878
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $9,816/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Midland — common questions

Is Thornton or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Midland?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Midland?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $9,816/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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Thornton details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven