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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Garland is 62% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,525/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 76%
$74,717/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 86%
$248,900 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 365%
$1,445/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 94%
245,298
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,153/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $13,836/year.

Median household income is $64,609/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Garland or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,153/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $64,609/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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