Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Garland is 69% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,525/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 25%
$74,717/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 44%
$248,900 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 185%
$1,445/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 26%
245,298
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $32,655/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Garland or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $32,655/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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