Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Garland is 62% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,525/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 39%
$74,717/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 45%
$248,900 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 443%
$1,445/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 62%
245,298
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $602/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $7,224/year.

Median household income is $33,841/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Garland or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Berkeley?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $602/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Berkeley?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $33,841/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Berkeley details →

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