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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Arlington is 75% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,275/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 26%
$140,160/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 29%
$864,800 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 59%
$2,414/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 30%
235,463
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $41,045/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Arlington or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Carrollton?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Carrollton?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $41,045/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Carrollton

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