| Index | Carrollton | Texas | National |
| Cost of living | 111 | 94 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 142 | 83 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 93 | 98 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Carrollton can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Carrollton cost of living index is 111, which is 11% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Carrollton cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 42.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Carrollton. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Carrollton an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Carrollton is 45.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 34.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Carrollton has a median household income of $122,152, which is 50.2% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Carrollton, is 42.3% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Carrollton, healthcare costs are 0.4% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Carrollton, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.25%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Carrollton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $160,500 | $13,375 | $3,745 | $4,815 |
| Renters | $85,149 | $7,096 | $1,987 | $2,555 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Texas | 6.25% | 8.25% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Texas | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bristol, TX | 462 | 99 | 1.1% |
| Horseshoe Bend, TX | 641 | 83 | 16.7% |
| Irving, TX | 248,458 | 103 | 3.5% |
| Lake Dallas, TX | 8,292 | 104 | 4.1% |
| Dallas, TX | 1,391,819 | 107 | 7.0% |
| Carrollton, TX | 142,475 | 111 | 11.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Charleston, SC | 142,427 | 123 | 22.8% |
| Surprise, AZ | 142,589 | 115 | 15.0% |
| Whitby, ON | 142,607 | n/a | |
| Waco, TX | 142,208 | 93 | 7.0% |
| Milton, ON | 142,128 | n/a | |
| Carrollton, TX | 142,475 | 111 | 11.1% |