Chicago, IL vs Garland, TX
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Housing in Chicago runs about 21% above Garland, but Chicago earns more at the median (1% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference — the standard tradeoff between cost and earnings that shapes most US city-to-city moves. Garland also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 5.0% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$248,900 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$283,928
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,525/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
61.6%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
13.6x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$74,717
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$31,477
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
12.3%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
32.6 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
73.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
1.7%
Work From Home %
18.3%
11.6%
State Income Tax
5.0%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.2% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
16.3%
Median Age
35.7
34.7
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
77.9°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
38.3"
Annual Snowfall
—
1.7"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Median Household Income
Garland, TX 3 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →