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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Garland is 43% more expensive than Independence.

$1,525/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 30%
$74,717/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 20%
$248,900 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 33%
$1,445/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 28%
245,298
Population
121,944

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $15,237/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Independence — common questions

Is Garland or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Independence?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Independence?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $15,237/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 Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Independence details →

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