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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Garland is 72% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,525/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 101%
$74,717/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 143%
$248,900 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 630%
$1,445/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 109%
245,298
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,540/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $18,480/year.

Median household income is $107,145/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Garland or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,540/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $107,145/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

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