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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Surprise is 9% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,917/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↓ 13%
$93,371/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 6%
$396,000 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 11%
$1,587/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 6%
149,519
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $5,744/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Surprise or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Carrollton?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Carrollton?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $5,744/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 Surprise or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Carrollton

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman