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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Thornton is 8% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,810/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ≈ Same
$100,985/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 5%
$482,200 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 16%
$1,914/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 6%
142,878
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,728/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Richardson — common questions

Is Thornton or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Richardson?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Richardson?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $4,728/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Thornton and Richardson

Thornton vs. Torrance Thornton vs. Visalia Thornton vs. Gainesville Thornton vs. Waco Thornton vs. Olathe Thornton vs. Fullerton Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater