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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Downey

California
169

Garland is 43% cheaper than Downey.

$1,525/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 24%
$74,717/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 17%
$248,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 193%
$1,445/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 38%
245,298
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $12,683/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Downey — common questions

Is Garland or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Downey?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Downey?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $12,683/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Downey details →

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