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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Garland is 24% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,525/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 26%
$74,717/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 25%
$248,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 59%
$1,445/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 10%
245,298
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $392/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,704/year.

Median household income is $18,654/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Surprise — common questions

Is Garland or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Surprise?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $392/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Surprise?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $18,654/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Surprise

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite