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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Garland is 12% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,525/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 6%
$74,717/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 14%
$248,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 55%
$1,445/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 2%
245,298
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $10,729/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Garland or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $10,729/year higher in Garland.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

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