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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Garland is 45% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,525/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 53%
$74,717/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 47%
$248,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 144%
$1,445/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 65%
245,298
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $35,063/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Garland or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Murrieta?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Murrieta?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $35,063/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Murrieta details →

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