Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Garland, TX (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Charlotte is 12% more expensive than Garland.

$1,504/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 1%
$78,438/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 5%
$351,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 29%
$1,487/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 3%
886,283
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,721/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Garland — common questions

Is Charlotte or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Garland?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Garland?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $3,721/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charlotte and Garland

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