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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Scottsdale is 42% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,910/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 12%
$107,372/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 8%
$709,900 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 50%
$1,824/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 7%
242,169
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $8,257/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 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

Scottsdale vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Carrollton?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Carrollton?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $8,257/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Carrollton

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman