Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Garland is 27% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,525/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 16%
$74,717/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 7%
$248,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 83%
$1,445/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 23%
245,298
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $5,218/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Garland or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $5,218/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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