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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Los Angeles is 95% more expensive than Garland.

$1,879/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 19%
$80,366/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 7%
$879,500 ↑ 253%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 72%
$2,055/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 30%
3,857,897
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $5,649/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Garland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Garland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Garland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $5,649/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Garland details →

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