Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Garland is 8% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,525/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 7%
$74,717/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 10%
$248,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 36%
$1,445/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 5%
245,298
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $7,173/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Worcester — common questions

Is Garland or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Worcester?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Worcester?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $7,173/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garland details → View Worcester details →

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