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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Irvine is 167% more expensive than Garland.

$2,893/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 47%
$129,647/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 42%
$1,115,400 ↑ 348%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 78%
$2,904/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 50%
308,160
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,368/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $16,416/year.

Median household income is $54,930/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Garland — common questions

Is Irvine or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Garland?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $1,368/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Garland?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $54,930/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Garland details →

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