Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Garland, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Chicago is 4% more expensive than Garland.

$1,380/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 11%
$75,134/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$74,717/yr ≈ Same
$315,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 21%
$1,502/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 4%
2,707,648
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $417/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Garland — common questions

Is Chicago or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Garland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Garland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $417/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Garland

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