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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Garland is 51% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,525/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 63%
$74,717/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 61%
$248,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 190%
$1,445/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 83%
245,298
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $961/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $11,532/year.

Median household income is $45,209/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Garland or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $961/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $45,209/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Santa Clarita

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge