Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Garland is 45% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,525/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 33%
$74,717/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 52%
$248,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 180%
$1,445/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 50%
245,298
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $38,921/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Garland or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Alexandria?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Alexandria?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $38,921/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Alexandria details →

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