Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Mesa is 8% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,478/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 13%
$78,779/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 26%
$364,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 3%
$1,404/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 20%
507,478
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $20,336/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Mesa or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Carrollton?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Carrollton?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $20,336/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Carrollton

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman