Residents and newcomers often seek a practical sense of what it costs to live in Carrollton, Texas. This article outlines typical expenses, highlights drivers of the cost, and provides clear price ranges in USD to help with budgeting. Main cost drivers include housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 BR apartment in city center) | $1,100 | $1,400 | $1,800 | Urban core pricing varies by complex |
| Rent (1 BR outside center) | $900 | $1,200 | $1,500 | Suburban in Carrollton area |
| Groceries per person per month | $280 | $360 | $460 | Includes staples and occasional treats |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $150 | $210 | $320 | Includes typical homes; air conditioning heavy use |
| Public transport or ride-hail per month | $40 | $90 | $180 | Car-centered city with some transit options |
| Healthcare (insurance + out-of-pocket) | $250 | $380 | $650 | Dependent on plan and usage |
| Taxes (sales, property, etc.) | Varies | Moderate | Higher for some homeowners | Sales tax 6.25% state; local rates apply |
| Average Annual Cost (single adult) | $40,000–$58,000 | Includes housing, utilities, food, transport, health |
Assumptions: region, typical housing in Carrollton, moderate family size, standard plans.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost ranges in Carrollton span housing, utilities, and daily living. Housing remains the largest factor, with a noticeable gap between city-center and suburban rents. Utilities and healthcare add predictable monthly costs, while groceries reflect personal eating habits and family size. In-state taxes and local charges influence annual budgeting. The following summarizes the total project ranges and per-unit considerations for a single adult and a small household.
Cost Breakdown
Understanding where money goes helps pinpoint budget priorities. The table below blends totals with per-unit considerations to reflect common scenarios for Carrollton residents. Assumptions include a starter apartment outside the city center and a typical single-person household to illustrate a monthly budget.
| Category | Low (Monthly) | Average (Monthly) | High (Monthly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $900 | $1,200 | $1,800 | 1 BR outside center; varies by complex |
| Utilities | $150 | $210 | $320 | Electricity dominates; summer usage spikes |
| Groceries | $280 | $360 | $460 | Depends on diet and family size |
| Transportation | $40 | $90 | $180 | Public transit or rides; car-related costs not included in fuel |
| Healthcare | $250 | $380 | $650 | Insurance premiums plus out-of-pocket |
| Taxes | Varies | Moderate | Higher for homeowners | Sales tax + property taxes where applicable |
| Internet/Phone | $60 | $90 | $130 | Bundled plans often reduce per-item cost |
What Drives Price
Key price levers in Carrollton include housing location, household size, and energy use. Rent differs markedly between the city center and suburban neighborhoods, while utilities rise with air-conditioning needs in hot Texas summers. Household size lowers per-person costs by spreading fixed expenses, but groceries and healthcare scale with the number of residents. Local property taxes and sales tax rates also shape annual spending, especially for homeowners and frequent shoppers.
Factors That Affect Price
Seasonal and market trends influence Carrollton’s cost of living. Utility bills surge in peak summer due to air conditioning, while apartment availability can shift rents quarter by quarter. Homeowners face property tax changes and insurance premiums that affect annual budgets. Regional factors, including nearby Dallas access, influence commuting costs and housing competition. Local price signals also reflect demand for schools, safety, and neighborhood amenities.
Regional Price Differences
Carrollton sits within the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area where costs vary by submarket. Urban cores near central Dallas tend to command higher rents, while eastern and southern pockets offer better value. Suburban neighborhoods within a 15–25 mile radius show mid-range pricing with more space and potentially newer builds. Rural-adjacent pockets offer the lowest rents but trade speed of services and amenities. In summary, expect rental and service costs to echo broader regional dynamics with +/- 10–20% deltas between micro-neighborhoods.
Local Market Variations
Local market conditions can create noticeable differences even within Carrollton. Some complexes include utilities or covered parking, which lowers apparent monthly costs but raises upfront fees. Parking availability, school districts, and HOA rules can add or reduce monthly obligations. Seasonal promotions from landlords and property management companies may temporarily reduce rates. Prospective renters or buyers should compare several nearby neighborhoods to verify the best value for their budget.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three typical scenarios illustrate how Carrollton costs break down.
- Basic: 1-bedroom outside center — 1 BR apartment, utilities, internet, and groceries for a single adult. 1,200 square feet of housing cost around $1,100–$1,300; monthly utilities $150–$230; groceries $260–$320; internet $55–$75; total $1,600–$2,050.
- Mid-Range: 2-bedroom family home in suburb — rent $1,800–$2,400; utilities $180–$260; groceries $420–$520; car maintenance and fuel $120–$220; healthcare $350–$500; total $2,870–$3,900.
- Premium: 3-bedroom home with commute options — rent $2,600–$3,200; utilities $240–$350; groceries $520–$700; healthcare $500–$750; internet/phone $100–$140; total $3,960–$5,140.
Assumptions: region, housing type, family size, and typical plan selections.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Prices can fluctuate seasonally, especially housing and energy. Summer cooling drives higher electricity bills, while off-peak periods may stabilize or lower energy costs. Landlord incentives or market pauses can occur in slower rental seasons, providing temporary relief for renters. Longer-term trends in the Dallas area tend to follow job market velocity, with moderate rent growth aligned to inflation.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Carrollton often appears more affordable than central city cores yet offers comparable access to amenities. For those weighing urban cores versus suburbs, Carrollton provides a balance of space and transit options with a cost profile that generally sits between rural Texas towns and inner-city markets. Housing remains the biggest variance, while everyday expenses stay closer to national averages adjusted for local taxes and utility rates.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Owning a home adds ongoing costs beyond rent. Mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance accumulate over time. Typical homeowners see annual costs in the range of several thousand dollars, with larger repairs or remodels adding to the budget. Leaseholders should consider renter’s insurance and potential HOA dues when comparing total cost of living options.