B+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
42%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Carrollton Texas National
Cost of living11194100
Groceries9698100
Health care10098100
Housing14283100
Transportation9598100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9398100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Carrollton, TX

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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Carrollton?

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 Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Carrollton?

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%.

Where is the Data From?

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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Carrollton is 18% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Carrollton is 11% higher than the national average
  • Carrollton housing is 42% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Carrollton

See all the best places to live around Carrollton

Compare Carrollton, TX Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Carrollton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Carrollton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Carrollton poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      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
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Carrollton, TX, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Carrollton homeowners, is $160,500. This would allow for a maximum of $3,745 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $85,149 which would result in a maximum of $1,987 to be spent on rental costs.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bristol, TX462991.1%
      Horseshoe Bend, TX6418316.7%
      Irving, TX248,4581033.5%
      Lake Dallas, TX8,2921044.1%
      Dallas, TX1,391,8191077.0%
      Carrollton, TX142,47511111.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Charleston, SC142,42712322.8%
      Surprise, AZ142,58911515.0%
      Whitby, ON142,607n/a 
      Waco, TX142,208937.0%
      Milton, ON142,128n/a 
      Carrollton, TX142,47511111.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.