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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Phoenix is 14% more expensive than Garland.

$1,458/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 5%
$77,041/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 3%
$381,900 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 35%
$1,430/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 1%
1,624,832
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $2,324/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 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

Phoenix vs Garland — common questions

Is Phoenix or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Garland?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Garland?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $2,324/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Garland

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