Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Raleigh is 5% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,468/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 14%
$82,424/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 20%
$377,800 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 6%
$1,487/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 14%
470,763
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $16,691/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Carrollton residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Raleigh or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Carrollton?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Carrollton?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $16,691/year higher in Carrollton.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Carrollton details →

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