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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Houston is 24% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,313/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 27%
$62,894/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 58%
$253,400 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 40%
$1,316/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 28%
2,300,419
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $36,221/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Houston or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Carrollton?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Carrollton?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $36,221/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 Houston or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Carrollton

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman