Garland, TX vs. Grand Prairie, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Garland and nearby Grand Prairie, TX. It is perfect for families relocating to the Dallas area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two popular suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Garland vs Grand Prairie:
| Housing Type | Garland | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $340,000 |
🏆 Winner: Garland. Rent and home prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Garland compared to Grand Prairie.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Garland and Grand Prairie, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $120-180/month, higher in summer for A/C
- Gas: $30-50/month for heating and cooking
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-100/month
- Internet: $50-80/month
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between the two cities. Both have energy efficiency programs to help manage bills.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food is another major monthly cost. Grocery prices are comparable in Garland and Grand Prairie, with a gallon of milk averaging $3.50 and a dozen eggs around $2.80. Eating out costs $12-15 per person for a basic meal.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant cost difference for groceries and dining out between the cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes and city fees can add up:
- Property tax rate: 2.72% in Garland, 2.74% in Grand Prairie
- Sales tax: 8.25% in both cities
- Vehicle registration: $75 per year
- HOA fees: $200-400/month in many Garland and Grand Prairie neighborhoods, often including amenities and landscaping
🏆 Winner: Garland, but just slightly. The property tax rate is 0.02% lower.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Garland | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $280 | $280 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes/Fees | $300 | $325 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,980 | $3,105 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Also consider:
- Commute times: Garland is 5-10 minutes closer to downtown Dallas.
- Public transit: Both cities have DART light rail and bus service. Grand Prairie has more park-and-ride lots.
- Walkability: Garland’s downtown is more pedestrian-friendly, while Grand Prairie is more car-dependent.
- Lot sizes: Grand Prairie has slightly larger lots and homes on average.
7. FAQs
- Is Garland more affordable than Grand Prairie? Yes, the cost of living is about 5% lower in Garland, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Garland rent prices are around 5-10% lower than Grand Prairie.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are modestly lower in Garland, by about $15,000 for a typical 3BR.
8. Conclusion
While Garland comes out slightly ahead on housing costs and taxes, the cost of living in Garland vs Grand Prairie is quite comparable overall. A household moving from Grand Prairie to Garland might save around $125/month on expenses.
The better fit depends on your lifestyle. Commuters and urban enthusiasts may prefer Garland, while those wanting more space may like Grand Prairie. Be sure to check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Garland Residents and Cost of Living in Garland (2025 Guide) for more insights.
No matter which city you choose, both Garland and Grand Prairie provide a high quality of life in the Dallas metro area at a relatively affordable price point. Compare the numbers for your own budget to find the best fit.
Content:
Garland, TX vs. Grand Prairie, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Garland and nearby Grand Prairie, TX. It is perfect for families relocating to the Dallas area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two popular suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Garland vs Grand Prairie:
| Housing Type | Garland | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $340,000 |
🏆 Winner: Garland. Rent and home prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Garland compared to Grand Prairie.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Garland and Grand Prairie, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $120-180/month, higher in summer for A/C
- Gas: $30-50/month for heating and cooking
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-100/month
- Internet: $50-80/month
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between the two cities. Both have energy efficiency programs to help manage bills.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food is another major monthly cost. Grocery prices are comparable in Garland and Grand Prairie, with a gallon of milk averaging $3.50 and a dozen eggs around $2.80. Eating out costs $12-15 per person for a basic meal.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant cost difference for groceries and dining out between the cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes and city fees can add up:
- Property tax rate: 2.72% in Garland, 2.74% in Grand Prairie
- Sales tax: 8.25% in both cities
- Vehicle registration: $75 per year
- HOA fees: $200-400/month in many Garland and Grand Prairie neighborhoods, often including amenities and landscaping
🏆 Winner: Garland, but just slightly. The property tax rate is 0.02% lower.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Garland | Grand Prairie |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $280 | $280 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes/Fees | $300 | $325 |
| Misc | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,980 | $3,105 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Also consider:
- Commute times: Garland is 5-10 minutes closer to downtown Dallas.
- Public transit: Both cities have DART light rail and bus service. Grand Prairie has more park-and-ride lots.
- Walkability: Garland’s downtown is more pedestrian-friendly, while Grand Prairie is more car-dependent.
- Lot sizes: Grand Prairie has slightly larger lots and homes on average.
7. FAQs
- Is Garland more affordable than Grand Prairie? Yes, the cost of living is about 5% lower in Garland, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Garland rent prices are around 5-10% lower than Grand Prairie.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are modestly lower in Garland, by about $15,000 for a typical 3BR.
8. Conclusion
While Garland comes out slightly ahead on housing costs and taxes, the cost of living in Garland vs Grand Prairie is quite comparable overall. A household moving from Grand Prairie to Garland might save around $125/month on expenses.
The better fit depends on your lifestyle. Commuters and urban enthusiasts may prefer Garland, while those wanting more space may like Grand Prairie. Be sure to check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Garland Residents and Cost of Living in Garland (2025 Guide) for more insights.
No matter which city you choose, both Garland and Grand Prairie provide a high quality of life in the Dallas metro area at a relatively affordable price point. Compare the numbers for your own budget to find the best fit.