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

Thornton

Colorado
138
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Thornton is 66% more expensive than Waco.

$1,810/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 39%
$100,985/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 49%
$482,200 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 59%
$1,914/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 43%
142,878
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Thornton, CO and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $712/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,544/year.

Median household income is $49,517/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Thornton is $482,200 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Thornton vs Waco — common questions

Is Thornton or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Thornton and Waco?
Median rent in Thornton is $1,810/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $712/month.
Which city has higher income, Thornton or Waco?
Median household income is $100,985 in Thornton and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $49,517/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Thornton has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,810/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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