Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Philadelphia is 11% cheaper than Garland.

$1,323/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 15%
$60,698/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 23%
$232,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 7%
$1,233/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 17%
1,582,432
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $14,019/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Garland — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Garland?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Garland?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $14,019/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Garland

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington