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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Garland is 50% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,525/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 31%
$74,717/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 25%
$248,900 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 40%
$1,445/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 29%
245,298
Population
198,440

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $466/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $5,592/year.

Median household income is $19,030/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Garland or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Montgomery?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $466/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Montgomery?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $19,030/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 Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Montgomery details →

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