A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
3%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Garland Texas National
Cost of living10294100
Groceries10098100
Health care9798100
Housing10383100
Transportation10398100
Utilities103103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10398100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare10598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Garland, TX

The cost of living in Garland affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Garland is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Garland closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Garland can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Garland?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 11 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Garland. The results indicated that 91% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 9% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Garland Affordable?

Wondering if Garland is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Garland, for example, the median home price is 6.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 26% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Garland boasting a median household income of $95,929, which is 17.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Garland?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Garland, the groceries index is 0.2% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Garland, the transportation index is 3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Garland cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Garland is 8% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Garland is 2% higher than the national average
  • Garland housing is 3% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Garland

See all the best places to live around Garland

Compare Garland, TX Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$116,056$9,671$2,708$3,482
      Renters$66,401$5,533$1,549$1,992
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Garland, TX, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Garland homeowners, is $116,056. This would allow for a maximum of $2,708 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $66,401 which would result in a maximum of $1,549 to be spent on rental costs.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Paul CDP, TX6088019.8%
      St. Paul, TX1,4078019.7%
      Mesquite CDP, TX6478118.9%
      Cockrell Hill, TX4,306927.9%
      Balch Springs, TX25,952928.0%
      Garland, TX245,2111021.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arlington, VA244,81217979.4%
      Fremont, CA242,323226126.0%
      Hialeah, FL241,98511616.1%
      Irving, TX248,4581033.5%
      Regina, SK241,465n/a 
      Garland, TX245,2111021.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.