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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Garland is 44% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,525/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 37%
$74,717/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 30%
$248,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 175%
$1,445/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 47%
245,298
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $22,693/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Garland or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $22,693/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Santa Rosa

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga