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Garland, TX Relocation Guide (2026)

Cost of living, housing, and income data for Garland, sourced from the US Census Bureau.

Salary needed to live in Garland →

Source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022). Last updated July 2026.

Garland counts roughly 244,026 residents, and the median household brings in $71,044 annually — -1% relative to the cities in our dataset, putting incomes here roughly in line with the pack.

In Garland, the median home is valued at $229,000 — below the median across the cities we track (-30%) — and typical rent runs $1,421 a month. Factor in mortgage rates and property taxes when sizing up whether buying pencils out.

The ratio of median home value to median household income in Garland — roughly 3.2× — signals relatively affordable housing relative to local pay. Home prices around Garland have pulled back slightly over the past year, down about 0.12%. FEMA's National Risk Index puts Garland at Very High for overall natural-hazard risk, a factor that can push home insurance costs up.

Personal Affordability Check

Cost of housing in Garland

Median home value is $229,000 and median gross rent is $1,421/month. For buyers, monthly costs depend heavily on current mortgage rates — worth checking before you commit.

FHFA's county-level home price index for Dallas fell 0.12% over the past year (as of 2025).

HUD's FY 2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit in the surrounding county is $1,931/month.

Climate & home insurance

FEMA rates Garland's overall natural-hazard risk as Very High. Risk level is a major driver of home insurance premiums.

Safety

Garland reported a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents in 2025, per FBI data.

Moving to Garland

Planning a move to Garland? Compare licensed movers and get quotes based on your origin and move date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost of living in Garland, TX?

Housing drives most of the cost-of-living picture in Garland — median home value of $229,000, median rent of $1,421/month — set against a median household income of $71,044 (US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)).

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Garland?

A common guideline is that rent should stay under 30% of gross income. With median rent at $1,421/month in Garland, that implies an income of about $56,840 to keep housing affordable. See the full salary breakdown (renting and buying) for Garland.

Is it better to rent or buy in Garland?

Buying at Garland's median home value of $229,000 takes about $52,394 a year in principal-and-interest income (20% down, 30-year fixed, current mortgage rates), compared with roughly $56,840 a year to comfortably rent at the median $1,421/month. Down payment and expected length of stay usually settle the question.

Is Garland safe?

Garland reported a violent crime rate of 191 per 100,000 residents in 2025, per FBI data. Compare that figure against other cities you're considering for context.

See the full salary breakdown for Garland →

Cities with a similar cost of living

Matched on median rent and household income within 15% of Garland's.