Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Garland is 60% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,525/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 80%
$74,717/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 69%
$248,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 318%
$1,445/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 82%
245,298
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,217/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $14,604/year.

Median household income is $51,752/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Garland or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Cambridge?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,217/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Cambridge?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $51,752/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Cambridge details →

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