Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Garland is 9% cheaper than Salem.

$1,525/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 13%
$74,717/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 4%
$248,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 54%
$1,445/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ≈ Same
245,298
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $2,817/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Salem — common questions

Is Garland or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Salem?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Salem?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $2,817/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Salem details →

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