Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Riverside is 50% more expensive than Garland.

$1,812/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 16%
$88,575/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 16%
$542,100 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 54%
$1,880/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 23%
316,241
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $13,858/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Garland — common questions

Is Riverside or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Garland?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Garland?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $13,858/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Garland

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington