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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Garland is 43% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,525/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 43%
$74,717/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 64%
$248,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 142%
$1,445/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 54%
245,298
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $47,512/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Garland or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $47,512/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Elk Grove

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