Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Garland is 16% more expensive than Athens.

$1,525/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 24%
$74,717/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 31%
$248,900 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 9%
$1,445/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 20%
245,298
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $23,062/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Athens — common questions

Is Garland or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Athens?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Athens?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $23,062/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Athens details →

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