Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Garland is 20% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,525/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 30%
$74,717/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 14%
$248,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 8%
$1,445/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 23%
245,298
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $10,229/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Columbia — common questions

Is Garland or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Columbia?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Columbia?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $10,229/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Columbia details →

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