Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Garland, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Tampa is 18% more expensive than Garland.

$1,567/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 3%
$71,302/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 5%
$375,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 34%
$1,553/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 7%
393,389
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,415/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Garland — common questions

Is Tampa or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Garland?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Garland?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $3,415/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

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