Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Garland is 37% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,525/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 18%
$74,717/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 52%
$248,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 141%
$1,445/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 35%
245,298
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $38,679/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Arvada — common questions

Is Garland or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Arvada?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Arvada?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $38,679/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Arvada details →

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