Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Garland, TX (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Plano is 38% more expensive than Garland.

$1,792/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 15%
$108,649/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 31%
$440,600 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 44%
$1,829/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 21%
287,339
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $33,932/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Garland — common questions

Is Plano or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Garland?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Garland?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $33,932/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Garland details →

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