Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Garland, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Houston is 8% cheaper than Garland.

$1,313/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 16%
$62,894/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 19%
$253,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 2%
$1,316/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 10%
2,300,419
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $11,823/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Garland — common questions

Is Houston or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Garland?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Garland?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $11,823/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Garland details →

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