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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Phoenix is 7% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,458/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 15%
$77,041/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 29%
$381,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 7%
$1,430/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 18%
1,624,832
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $22,074/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 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

Phoenix vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Phoenix or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Carrollton?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Carrollton?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $22,074/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 Phoenix or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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.
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