Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Boston is 52% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,093/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 20%
$94,755/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 5%
$710,400 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 50%
$2,176/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $4,360/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Boston or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Carrollton?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Carrollton?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $4,360/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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