Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Garland, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Washington is 78% more expensive than Garland.

$1,900/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↓ 20%
$106,287/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↓ 30%
$724,600 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$248,900 ↓ 66%
$2,103/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↓ 31%
672,079
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $31,570/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Garland — common questions

Is Washington or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Garland?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Garland?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $31,570/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Garland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Garland

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington