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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Durham is 9% more expensive than Garland.

$1,412/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 8%
$79,234/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 6%
$355,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 30%
$1,434/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ≈ Same
288,465
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $4,517/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 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

Durham vs Garland — common questions

Is Durham or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Garland?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Garland?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $4,517/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Garland

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington