Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Garland is 57% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,525/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 38%
$74,717/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 12%
$248,900 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 38%
$1,445/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 33%
245,298
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Springfield — common questions

Is Garland or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Springfield?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Springfield?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $9,180/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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