Cost of Living: Carrollton, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Carrollton is 54% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,674/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 27%
$99,115/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 10%
$353,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 282%
$1,689/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 39%
132,741
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $9,443/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Carrollton or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Berkeley?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Berkeley?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $9,443/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Carrollton or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Carrollton details → View Berkeley details →

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