Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Garland is 25% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,525/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 30%
$74,717/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 18%
$248,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$251,300 ≈ Same
$1,445/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 27%
245,298
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $13,263/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Garland or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Lafayette?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Lafayette?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $13,263/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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