Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Atlanta is 27% more expensive than Garland.

$1,617/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 6%
$81,938/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 9%
$420,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 41%
$1,695/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 15%
499,287
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $7,221/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Garland — common questions

Is Atlanta or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Garland?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Garland?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $7,221/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Garland details →

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