Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Garland, TX (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Tucson is 21% cheaper than Garland.

$1,079/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 41%
$54,546/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 37%
$242,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 3%
$1,076/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 34%
543,348
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $20,171/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Garland — common questions

Is Tucson or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Garland?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Garland?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $20,171/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Garland details →

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