Is Tempe, AZ cheaper than Garland, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Tempe, AZ is 5.0% more expensive than Garland, TX. This translates to spending an extra $371 per month.

What salary do I need in Tempe, AZ to live like I do in Garland, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Garland, TX, you'd need approximately $154,455.446 in Tempe, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Garland, TX and Tempe, AZ?

Housing in Tempe, AZ is 19.6% more expensive than in Garland, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ compared to $1,880/month in Garland, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Garland, TX to Tempe, AZ?

Living in Tempe, AZ costs approximately $371 more per month than Garland, TX, or $4455 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Garland, TX vs Tempe, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Garland, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $371/month more in Tempe, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.5K in Tempe, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 5.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$371

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Garland, TX

Population:246K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$273K

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$452K

Garland, TX

The Lone Star State

246K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 246K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Garland, TX vs Tempe, AZ

Category	Garland, TX	Tempe, AZ	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,859/mo	↑ $468more	19.6%
Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $191more	14.7%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$546/mo	↓ $16.39less	2.9%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 19.6%

Garland, TX

$2,391

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Difference

$468

Transportation

↑ 14.7%

Garland, TX

$1,298

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$191

Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Garland, TX

$632

Tempe, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Garland, TX

$979

Tempe, AZ

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.9%

Garland, TX

$563

Tempe, AZ

$546

Difference

$16.39

less

Other

→ 0.0%

Garland, TX

$1,774

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,540

To$1,620

↑ $80.00

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,760

↑ $160

2 Bed

From$1,880

To$2,045

↑ $165

3 Bed

From$2,370

To$2,725

↑ $355

Garland, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,820/mo

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,637

Monthly in Garland, TX

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$579

Difference

Home Values

Garland

Tempe

$273K

Median Value

$452K

↓ -5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.9%

↑ +25.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.9%

$240K - $330K

Price Range

$397K - $701K

Homes in Tempe are 66% more expensive than Garland

Calculate payment - Garland Calculate payment - Tempe

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Garland, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Tempe, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Garland, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Tempe, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.