Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Garland is 5% more expensive than College Station.

$1,525/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 23%
$74,717/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 31%
$248,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 31%
$1,445/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 13%
245,298
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $22,941/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs College Station — common questions

Is Garland or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and College Station?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or College Station?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $22,941/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and College Station

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette