Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Garland is 9% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,525/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ≈ Same
$74,717/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 14%
$248,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 31%
$1,445/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 2%
245,298
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,277/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Garland or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Clearwater?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Clearwater?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $10,277/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Clearwater details →

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