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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Garland is 43% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,525/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 44%
$74,717/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 37%
$248,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 138%
$1,445/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 54%
245,298
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $27,604/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Garland or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Fairfield?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Fairfield?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $27,604/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Fairfield

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill