Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Garland, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Mesa is 11% more expensive than Garland.

$1,478/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 3%
$78,779/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 5%
$364,300 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 32%
$1,404/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 3%
507,478
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,062/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Garland — common questions

Is Mesa or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Garland?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Garland?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $4,062/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Garland

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington