Garland, TX vs Midland, TX

Garland, TX and Midland, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2% difference in their overall index. Garland scores 103 while Midland scores 101 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Garland is $1,525/month compared to $1,407/month in Midland — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Midland has cheaper rent, Garland actually has lower median home values ($248,900 vs $298,600).

Median household income in Garland is $74,717 compared to $91,169 in Midland (-18%). Midland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Garland spend roughly 24.5% of their income on rent, more than the 18.5% in Midland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (68°F vs 65.8°F). Garland receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 13.5" in Midland.