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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Garland

Texas
96

San Diego is 105% more expensive than Garland.

$2,223/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 31%
$104,321/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 28%
$848,500 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 71%
$2,308/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 37%
1,385,061
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $29,604/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Garland — common questions

Is San Diego or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Garland?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Garland?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $29,604/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Garland

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