Frisco, TX vs. Garland, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Dallas suburbs in 2025? This cost of living comparison of Frisco vs Garland will help you decide which city fits your budget. While only 30 miles apart, housing costs alone differ by over $500 per month between these two North Texas cities.
1. Housing Costs
The median home price in Frisco is a whopping $675,000 compared to $410,000 in Garland as of 2025. Renting is also pricier in Frisco:
| Housing Type | Frisco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,200 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House | $3,100 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Garland. Housing costs are 30-40% lower in Garland compared to Frisco.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Texas summers are scorching, so expect high AC bills from June to September. In Frisco, the average utility bill is $220 per month. Garland residents pay around $200 monthly.
Some Garland electricity providers offer free nights and weekend plans to help cut costs. Frisco has fewer utility deals.
🏆 Winner: Garland has slightly lower utility costs and more discount programs available.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries cost about 10% more in Frisco compared to Garland. A gallon of milk averages $4.20 in Frisco vs $3.80 in Garland. Eating out is also pricier – expect to pay $15 for a basic meal in Frisco compared to $12 in Garland.
🏆 Winner: Garland takes the lead again. Expect to spend less on food and daily essentials living in Garland.
4. Taxes and Fees
Frisco’s property tax rate is 2.01% vs Garland’s 2.62%. However, Frisco’s high home values mean the actual tax bill is higher. The typical Frisco homeowner pays $13,500 annually in property taxes compared to $10,700 in Garland.
Many Frisco neighborhoods have HOA fees from $50-300 per month. These are less common in Garland.
🏆 Winner: Frisco has a lower property tax rate, but Garland’s overall tax burden is cheaper due to lower home values and fewer HOA fees.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Frisco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $360 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes | $1,125 | $890 |
| Misc | $250 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,155 | $4,105 |
Note: Figures above are estimates based on a gross monthly income (pre-tax) and represent typical costs for a family of 4. Your actual expenses may vary.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Frisco offers more space and newer homes, but Garland provides better value and easier access to Dallas. Garland’s older neighborhoods are more walkable, while Frisco’s sprawling suburbs mean longer commutes.
Frisco homes are 400 sq ft larger than Garland’s on average. But in Garland, you can get to downtown Dallas in under 30 minutes.
7. FAQs
Is Frisco more affordable than Garland?
No, Garland is more affordable. Housing, food, and utilities are all cheaper in Garland compared to Frisco.
Which city has lower rent?
Garland has lower rent, with prices about 30% less than Frisco for comparable apartments.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Garland’s median home price of $410,000 is significantly lower than Frisco’s median of $675,000 in 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both are safe, family-friendly Dallas suburbs, Garland offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Frisco in 2025. A household moving from Frisco to Garland could easily save over $1000 per month on housing and daily expenses. However, Frisco’s higher prices come with perks like top-rated schools, upscale amenities, and a booming economy.
Ultimately, your budget and lifestyle preferences will determine which city is the best fit. Be sure to review our guides on Monthly Budget Examples for Frisco Residents and Cost of Living in Frisco (2025 Guide) for more details. You can also compare other Texas cities in our Cost of Living series.
Frisco, TX vs. Garland, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Dallas suburbs in 2025? This cost of living comparison of Frisco vs Garland will help you decide which city fits your budget. While only 30 miles apart, housing costs alone differ by over $500 per month between these two North Texas cities.
1. Housing Costs
The median home price in Frisco is a whopping $675,000 compared to $410,000 in Garland as of 2025. Renting is also pricier in Frisco:
| Housing Type | Frisco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $2,200 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House | $3,100 | $2,400 |
🏆 Winner: Garland. Housing costs are 30-40% lower in Garland compared to Frisco.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Texas summers are scorching, so expect high AC bills from June to September. In Frisco, the average utility bill is $220 per month. Garland residents pay around $200 monthly.
Some Garland electricity providers offer free nights and weekend plans to help cut costs. Frisco has fewer utility deals.
🏆 Winner: Garland has slightly lower utility costs and more discount programs available.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries cost about 10% more in Frisco compared to Garland. A gallon of milk averages $4.20 in Frisco vs $3.80 in Garland. Eating out is also pricier – expect to pay $15 for a basic meal in Frisco compared to $12 in Garland.
🏆 Winner: Garland takes the lead again. Expect to spend less on food and daily essentials living in Garland.
4. Taxes and Fees
Frisco’s property tax rate is 2.01% vs Garland’s 2.62%. However, Frisco’s high home values mean the actual tax bill is higher. The typical Frisco homeowner pays $13,500 annually in property taxes compared to $10,700 in Garland.
Many Frisco neighborhoods have HOA fees from $50-300 per month. These are less common in Garland.
🏆 Winner: Frisco has a lower property tax rate, but Garland’s overall tax burden is cheaper due to lower home values and fewer HOA fees.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Frisco | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $3,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $220 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $360 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes | $1,125 | $890 |
| Misc | $250 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,155 | $4,105 |
Note: Figures above are estimates based on a gross monthly income (pre-tax) and represent typical costs for a family of 4. Your actual expenses may vary.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Frisco offers more space and newer homes, but Garland provides better value and easier access to Dallas. Garland’s older neighborhoods are more walkable, while Frisco’s sprawling suburbs mean longer commutes.
Frisco homes are 400 sq ft larger than Garland’s on average. But in Garland, you can get to downtown Dallas in under 30 minutes.
7. FAQs
Is Frisco more affordable than Garland?
No, Garland is more affordable. Housing, food, and utilities are all cheaper in Garland compared to Frisco.
Which city has lower rent?
Garland has lower rent, with prices about 30% less than Frisco for comparable apartments.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Garland’s median home price of $410,000 is significantly lower than Frisco’s median of $675,000 in 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both are safe, family-friendly Dallas suburbs, Garland offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Frisco in 2025. A household moving from Frisco to Garland could easily save over $1000 per month on housing and daily expenses. However, Frisco’s higher prices come with perks like top-rated schools, upscale amenities, and a booming economy.
Ultimately, your budget and lifestyle preferences will determine which city is the best fit. Be sure to review our guides on Monthly Budget Examples for Frisco Residents and Cost of Living in Frisco (2025 Guide) for more details. You can also compare other Texas cities in our Cost of Living series.