Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Garland is 27% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,525/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 12%
$74,717/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 32%
$248,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 95%
$1,445/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 11%
245,298
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $23,969/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Meridian — common questions

Is Garland or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Meridian?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Meridian?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $23,969/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Meridian

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord