Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Arlington is 18% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,389/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 21%
$73,519/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 35%
$276,400 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 28%
$1,420/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 19%
394,769
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Arlington or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Carrollton?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Carrollton?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Carrollton details →

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