Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Garland, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Arlington and Garland have a similar cost of living.

$1,389/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 10%
$73,519/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 2%
$276,400 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 10%
$1,420/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 2%
394,769
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $1,198/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Garland — common questions

Is Arlington or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Garland?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Garland?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $1,198/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Garland

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington