Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Tulsa is 51% cheaper than Thornton.

$998/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 81%
$58,407/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 73%
$189,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 154%
$1,027/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 86%
412,322
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $42,578/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Thornton — common questions

Is Tulsa or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Thornton?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Thornton?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $42,578/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Colorado?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Thornton details →

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