Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Garland is 45% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,525/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 33%
$74,717/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 32%
$248,900 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 32%
$1,445/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 30%
245,298
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $23,627/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Mobile — common questions

Is Garland or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Mobile?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Mobile?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $23,627/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Mobile

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale