Living comfortably in Garland, TX in 2025 typically requires a gross monthly income of around $4,500 for a couple or small family. Let’s break down the key expenses that make up the cost of living in this growing Dallas suburb.
Housing Costs in Garland
Housing is the biggest line item in most Garland residents’ budgets. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garland is approximately $1,450 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom single-family home, monthly mortgage payments or rent fall in the range of $1,800 to $2,400.
Newer master-planned communities in Garland often have HOA fees, which can add $200 to $400 per month. However, many neighborhoods, especially those with older homes, do not have mandatory HOAs.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,450
- Typical 3BR House Monthly Payment: $1,800 – $2,400
- HOA Fees: $0 – $400
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Garland are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For an average 3-bedroom home, residents can expect to pay around $150 for electricity, $40 for gas, $70 for water, and $30 for trash and recycling each month.
Keep in mind that electricity costs often spike in the summer months, as air conditioning is a must in Garland’s hot climate. Budget an extra $50 to $100 per month for cooling from June through September.
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water | $70 |
| Trash/Recycling | $30 |
Groceries and Food
Garland offers a wide variety of grocery stores at different price points, from budget-friendly Aldi to higher-end options like Whole Foods. On average, a single adult in Garland spends around $300 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends closer to $900.
Dining out will add to the monthly food budget. Expect to pay $12 to $15 per person for a meal at a casual restaurant, or $30+ per person at a nicer establishment. Grabbing a quick bite at a food truck or fast casual spot usually runs about $8 to $12.
Taxes and Fees
Garland homeowners pay property taxes of around 2.4% of their home’s assessed value each year. On a $300,000 home, that equates to roughly $600 per month. Renters don’t pay property tax directly, but it’s factored into monthly rent prices.
Other taxes and fees to be aware of include:
- 8.25% sales tax on most purchases
- Annual vehicle registration fees of $50 to $90
- Mandatory trash collection fees around $20/month
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Utilities | $200 | $275 | $350 |
| Groceries | $300 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Entertainment | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Monthly Total | $2,200 | $3,375 | $4,650 |
| Comfortable Gross Income | $2,900 | $4,500 | $6,200 |
Lifestyle Factors
Garland offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Dallas suburbs. However, tradeoffs include longer commute times of 30+ minutes to major employment centers and slightly older housing stock in many neighborhoods.
On the plus side, Garland boasts ample parks, highly-rated schools, diverse dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreation at nearby Lake Ray Hubbard. Residents enjoy a family-friendly suburban lifestyle at a lower price point than communities like Plano or Frisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Garland?
A gross monthly income of at least $4,500 allows a couple or small family to live comfortably in Garland as of 2025, while a single person can get by on around $2,900 per month. -
Is Garland cheaper than Dallas?
Yes, the cost of living in Garland is about 10% lower than in Dallas proper. Housing costs in particular are more affordable in Garland. -
What is the average rent in Garland?
As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garland is $1,450 per month. Renting a single-family home typically costs $1,800 to $2,400 monthly. -
How much are property taxes in Garland?
The property tax rate in Garland is approximately 2.4% of a home’s assessed value annually. For a $300,000 house, that equates to around $600 per month. -
Is Garland a good place to live?
Garland consistently ranks as one of the best suburbs of Dallas for affordability, safety, schools, and overall quality of life. It’s an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking a budget-friendly place to call home.
Please note that all prices and budget estimates are based on typical costs for Garland, TX in 2025, and reflect gross monthly income (pre-tax). Individual expenses may vary.
Living comfortably in Garland, TX in 2025 typically requires a gross monthly income of around $4,500 for a couple or small family. Let’s break down the key expenses that make up the cost of living in this growing Dallas suburb.
Housing Costs in Garland
Housing is the biggest line item in most Garland residents’ budgets. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garland is approximately $1,450 per month. For a typical 3-bedroom single-family home, monthly mortgage payments or rent fall in the range of $1,800 to $2,400.
Newer master-planned communities in Garland often have HOA fees, which can add $200 to $400 per month. However, many neighborhoods, especially those with older homes, do not have mandatory HOAs.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,450
- Typical 3BR House Monthly Payment: $1,800 – $2,400
- HOA Fees: $0 – $400
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Garland are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. For an average 3-bedroom home, residents can expect to pay around $150 for electricity, $40 for gas, $70 for water, and $30 for trash and recycling each month.
Keep in mind that electricity costs often spike in the summer months, as air conditioning is a must in Garland’s hot climate. Budget an extra $50 to $100 per month for cooling from June through September.
| Utility | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 |
| Gas | $40 |
| Water | $70 |
| Trash/Recycling | $30 |
Groceries and Food
Garland offers a wide variety of grocery stores at different price points, from budget-friendly Aldi to higher-end options like Whole Foods. On average, a single adult in Garland spends around $300 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends closer to $900.
Dining out will add to the monthly food budget. Expect to pay $12 to $15 per person for a meal at a casual restaurant, or $30+ per person at a nicer establishment. Grabbing a quick bite at a food truck or fast casual spot usually runs about $8 to $12.
Taxes and Fees
Garland homeowners pay property taxes of around 2.4% of their home’s assessed value each year. On a $300,000 home, that equates to roughly $600 per month. Renters don’t pay property tax directly, but it’s factored into monthly rent prices.
Other taxes and fees to be aware of include:
- 8.25% sales tax on most purchases
- Annual vehicle registration fees of $50 to $90
- Mandatory trash collection fees around $20/month
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Utilities | $200 | $275 | $350 |
| Groceries | $300 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Entertainment | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Monthly Total | $2,200 | $3,375 | $4,650 |
| Comfortable Gross Income | $2,900 | $4,500 | $6,200 |
Lifestyle Factors
Garland offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Dallas suburbs. However, tradeoffs include longer commute times of 30+ minutes to major employment centers and slightly older housing stock in many neighborhoods.
On the plus side, Garland boasts ample parks, highly-rated schools, diverse dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreation at nearby Lake Ray Hubbard. Residents enjoy a family-friendly suburban lifestyle at a lower price point than communities like Plano or Frisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Garland?
A gross monthly income of at least $4,500 allows a couple or small family to live comfortably in Garland as of 2025, while a single person can get by on around $2,900 per month. -
Is Garland cheaper than Dallas?
Yes, the cost of living in Garland is about 10% lower than in Dallas proper. Housing costs in particular are more affordable in Garland. -
What is the average rent in Garland?
As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garland is $1,450 per month. Renting a single-family home typically costs $1,800 to $2,400 monthly. -
How much are property taxes in Garland?
The property tax rate in Garland is approximately 2.4% of a home’s assessed value annually. For a $300,000 house, that equates to around $600 per month. -
Is Garland a good place to live?
Garland consistently ranks as one of the best suburbs of Dallas for affordability, safety, schools, and overall quality of life. It’s an excellent choice for families and anyone seeking a budget-friendly place to call home.
Please note that all prices and budget estimates are based on typical costs for Garland, TX in 2025, and reflect gross monthly income (pre-tax). Individual expenses may vary.