Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Garland is 18% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,525/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 12%
$74,717/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$74,925/yr ≈ Same
$248,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 99%
$1,445/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 4%
245,298
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $208/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Garland or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $208/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Salt Lake City

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta