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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Dallas and Garland have a similar cost of living.

$1,403/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 9%
$67,760/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 10%
$295,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 16%
$1,409/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 3%
1,299,553
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $6,957/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Garland — common questions

Is Dallas or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Garland?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Garland?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $6,957/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 Dallas or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Garland details →

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