Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Seattle is 104% more expensive than Garland.

$1,998/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 24%
$121,984/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 39%
$912,100 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 73%
$2,220/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 35%
741,440
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $473/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $5,676/year.

Median household income is $47,267/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Garland — common questions

Is Seattle or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Garland?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $473/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Garland?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $47,267/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Garland

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington