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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Garland is 23% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,525/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 11%
$74,717/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 2%
$248,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 64%
$1,445/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 21%
245,298
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $1,366/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Garland or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Lancaster?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Lancaster?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $1,366/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Lancaster details →

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