Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Boston is 83% more expensive than Garland.

$2,093/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 27%
$94,755/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 21%
$710,400 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 34%
663,972
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $20,038/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Garland — common questions

Is Boston or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Garland?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Garland?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $20,038/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Garland details →

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