Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Garland, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Virginia Beach is 22% more expensive than Garland.

$1,649/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 8%
$90,685/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 18%
$366,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 32%
$1,704/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 15%
457,066
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $15,968/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Garland — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Garland?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Garland?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $15,968/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Garland details →

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