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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Garland is 107% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,525/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 49%
$74,717/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 88%
$248,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 247%
$1,445/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 67%
245,298
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $65,443/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Arlington — common questions

Is Garland or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Arlington?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Arlington?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $65,443/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Arlington details →