Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Garland, TX (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Garland

Texas
96

St. Louis is 31% cheaper than Garland.

$978/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 56%
$55,279/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 35%
$185,100 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 34%
$1,013/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 43%
293,109
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $19,438/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Garland — common questions

Is St. Louis or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Garland?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Garland?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $19,438/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Garland details →

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