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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Austin is 16% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,655/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 1%
$91,461/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 8%
$512,700 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 31%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 3%
967,862
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,654/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Austin or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Carrollton?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Carrollton?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $7,654/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 Austin or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Carrollton details →

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