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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Sacramento is 38% more expensive than Garland.

$1,694/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 10%
$83,753/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 11%
$484,600 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 49%
$1,752/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 18%
524,802
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $9,036/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Garland — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Garland?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Garland?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $9,036/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Garland details →

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