đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Carrollton and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Carrollton vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Carrollton | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $93,937 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $399,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $211 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,291 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 44.7% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 32 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Carrollton: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
By Your Relocation Expert
Choosing between Los Angeles and Carrollton isn't just picking a zip code—it's picking a lifestyle. One is a global powerhouse of dreams and traffic jams, the other is a quiet, affluent suburb in the heart of Texas. The data tells a story, but the real decision comes down to what you value most: the buzz of the city or the peace of the suburbs.
Let’s cut through the noise and help you decide where to plant your roots.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Glam vs. Suburban Comfort
Los Angeles is the city of perpetual motion. It’s a sprawling, 500-square-mile metropolis where ambition meets the Pacific Ocean. The vibe is electric, diverse, and unapologetically fast-paced. You’re trading personal space and quiet nights for unparalleled access to celebrity culture, world-class dining, and a creative energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s for the hustlers, the artists, the foodies, and those who thrive on the buzz of a world-class city.
Carrollton, on the other hand, is the epitome of Texas suburban living. Nestled in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, it’s a haven for families and professionals seeking a high quality of life without the chaos. The vibe here is community-focused, spacious, and grounded. You’re trading global fame and non-stop action for a slower pace, friendly neighbors, and a backyard big enough for a pool and a garden. It’s for those who value safety, space, and a strong sense of community.
Verdict:
- For the adrenaline junkies and dream chasers: Los Angeles.
- For those seeking balance and a family-friendly environment: Carrollton.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Million Bucks?
This is where the stakes get real. With a median income of $79,701 in Los Angeles and $93,937 in Carrollton, the raw numbers look similar. But the cost of living is a different beast entirely. Let's break down the monthly essentials.
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Carrollton | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-BR Rent | $2,006 | $1,291 | $715 cheaper in Carrollton |
| Utilities (Basic) | $230 | $180 | $50 cheaper in Carrollton |
| Groceries | $450 | $380 | $70 cheaper in Carrollton |
| Monthly Total | ~$2,686 | ~$1,851 | $835 cheaper in Carrollton |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, your take-home pay after California’s steep state income tax (ranging from 1% to 13.3%) is roughly $72,000. In Carrollton, Texas, with 0% state income tax, your take-home on the same salary is closer to $78,000. That’s an extra $6,000 in your pocket annually, before you even account for the lower cost of living.
The Housing Index (where 100 is the national average) paints a stark picture:
- Los Angeles: 173.0 (73% above the U.S. average)
- Carrollton: 117.8 (17.8% above the U.S. average)
In Carrollton, your money stretches significantly further. That $835 monthly savings on rent and basics alone could fund a car payment, a hefty retirement contribution, or a family vacation. In LA, you're paying a premium for the brand name of the city.
The Verdict on Dollar Power:
Carrollton wins by a landslide. The combination of higher median income, no state income tax, and dramatically lower housing and living costs means your quality of life for the same salary is objectively higher in Texas. The "sticker shock" in LA is real and relentless.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles: The Seller's Market of Dreams
The LA housing market is a league of its own. The median home price of $1,002,500 isn't just a number; it's a barrier to entry. For $1 million, you're often looking at a smaller, older home that needs work, or a condo in a prime but cramped location. The market is fiercely competitive, with buyers waiving contingencies and offering well over asking price. Renting is the default for most young professionals and even many families. The rent-to-income ratio is punishing, making it difficult to save for a down payment. It’s a classic "buy if you can, rent if you must" scenario.
Carrollton: The Accessible Owner's Market
In Carrollton, the median home price of $399,500 is within striking distance for many middle-class families. For that price, you can typically find a 3-4 bedroom single-family home with a yard in a safe neighborhood. The market is active but more balanced. It's less about bidding wars and more about finding the right fit. Renting is a viable long-term strategy, but building equity through homeownership is a much more attainable goal here.
The Verdict:
- For Renters: Carrollton offers more space and lower costs.
- For Buyers: Carrollton is the clear, pragmatic choice. LA is for those with significant capital or a willingness to compromise heavily on space.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute is over 30 minutes, but that can easily double with traffic. The "rush hour" is all day. Public transit exists but is often impractical for daily commutes. Car ownership is non-negotiable, and parking is a nightmare.
- Carrollton: As a suburb, it’s car-dependent, but commutes are far more predictable. DFW traffic is manageable compared to LA. Many residents work in the DFW metroplex and enjoy relatively short drives. The stress of a 90-minute crawl is largely absent.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The dream. Mild, sunny, and dry year-round. The average of 54°F in winter is perfect (though the "June Gloom" can be a thing). You can live in shorts and sandals. The only major downside is the infamous Santa Ana winds and wildfire risk.
- Carrollton: A tale of two seasons. Springs and falls are glorious. Summers are brutally hot and humid, often hitting 100°F for weeks. Winters are mild but can bring occasional ice storms. You need a good AC and a tolerance for humidity.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must research areas meticulously.
- Carrollton: Violent crime rate is 234.0 per 100k, well below the national average. It’s consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the DFW area. This is a massive selling point for families.
The Dealbreaker Verdict:
- Weather: Los Angeles (if you hate heat and humidity).
- Safety & Commute: Carrollton (by a wide margin).
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is better for you.
🏆 Winner for Families: Carrollton
The data is undeniable. With lower crime rates, more affordable housing, better schools (in many districts), and a community-oriented environment, Carrollton provides a stable, safe, and financially sensible foundation for raising kids. The space and backyard for play are priceless.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles (with a caveat)
If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a specialized field where LA is the epicenter, the move is justified. The networking opportunities, social scene, and sheer variety of experiences are unmatched. However, be prepared for a lower standard of living financially. You'll likely rent, spend a higher percentage of your income on housing, and deal with more stress. It’s an investment in your career and social life, not your bank account.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Carrollton
Unless you have a deep, lifelong connection to the California coast, Carrollton is the smarter choice. The lower cost of living means retirement savings go further. The safer environment and predictable weather (avoiding the brutal summer heat is key) are more manageable. Texas also offers property tax breaks for seniors. LA’s high costs can quickly erode a fixed income.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
Pros:
- âś… Unbeatable weather
- âś… Global cultural hub (food, arts, entertainment)
- âś… Career opportunities in specific industries
- âś… Iconic landscapes (beaches, mountains)
Cons:
- ❌ Astronomical cost of living
- ❌ Brutal traffic and long commutes
- ❌ High crime rates in many areas
- ❌ Intense competition for housing
Carrollton
Pros:
- âś… High median income & lower cost of living
- âś… Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods
- âś… Affordable homeownership
- âś… No state income tax
Cons:
- ❌ Car-dependent
- ❌ Extreme summer heat and humidity
- ❌ Less cultural cachet/diversity than a major coastal city
- ❌ Further from mountains/ocean (though still drivable)
Final Word: If you’re choosing a lifestyle of ambition, fame, and non-stop energy, Los Angeles calls. If you’re choosing a lifestyle of stability, value, and family, Carrollton is your home. Choose wisely.