Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Garland is 4% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,525/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 14%
$74,717/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 14%
$248,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 41%
$1,445/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 5%
245,298
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $10,817/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Garland or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Wilmington?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Wilmington?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,817/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Wilmington details →

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