Cost of Living: Carrollton, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Carrollton is 4% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,674/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 7%
$99,115/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 18%
$353,600 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 23%
$1,689/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 3%
132,741
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $18,026/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Carrollton or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $18,026/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Carrollton or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Carrollton details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Ann Arbor

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