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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Richmond

California
161

Garland is 40% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,525/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 24%
$74,717/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 21%
$248,900 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 161%
$1,445/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 39%
245,298
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $15,321/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Richmond — common questions

Is Garland or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Richmond?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Richmond?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $15,321/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell