Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Cary, NC (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Garland is 29% cheaper than Cary.

$1,525/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 6%
$74,717/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 73%
$248,900 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 111%
$1,445/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 21%
245,298
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $54,682/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Cary — common questions

Is Garland or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Cary?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Cary?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $54,682/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Cary details →

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