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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Tempe is 3% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,623/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 3%
$77,643/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 28%
$421,900 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 16%
$1,554/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 9%
186,419
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $21,472/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Tempe or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Carrollton?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Carrollton?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $21,472/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 Tempe or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Carrollton

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman