Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Garland, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Raleigh is 15% more expensive than Garland.

$1,468/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 4%
$82,424/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 9%
$377,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 34%
$1,487/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 3%
470,763
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $7,707/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Garland — common questions

Is Raleigh or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Garland?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Garland?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $7,707/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Garland details →

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