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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Salinas is 34% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,923/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 13%
$89,150/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 11%
$610,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 42%
$1,912/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 12%
161,993
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $9,965/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 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

Salinas vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Salinas or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Carrollton?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Carrollton?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $9,965/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Salinas or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Carrollton

Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman