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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Elk Grove is 45% more expensive than Carrollton.

$2,180/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 23%
$122,229/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 19%
$603,400 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 41%
$2,227/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 24%
177,221
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $23,114/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Carrollton?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Carrollton?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $23,114/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Carrollton

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman