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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Garland is 26% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,525/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 14%
$74,717/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 9%
$248,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 75%
$1,445/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 27%
245,298
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $6,434/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Garland or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Palmdale?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Palmdale?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $6,434/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Palmdale

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