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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Thornton and The Woodlands have a similar cost of living.

$1,810/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ≈ Same
$100,985/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 40%
$482,200 ≈ Same
Home Value
$479,400 ≈ Same
$1,914/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 5%
142,878
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $40,368/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Thornton or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Thornton is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $40,368/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/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 The Woodlands

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