Dallas vs Garland: which is better to live in?
Dallas gets C- overall and Garland gets B-. Garland comes out ahead on our index.
Dallas wins on cost of living, getting around and education levels. Garland wins on jobs and income, schools, safety, errands and things to do, health, home ownership and internet access.
Dallas suits young professionals and people on a budget better, while Garland suits families, retirees and remote workers better.
Side by side
| Dallas | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | C- | B- |
| Population | 1,329,491 | 249,625 |
| Growth since 2020 | +1.9% | +1.4% |
| Median rent | $1,472 | $1,641 |
| Median home value | $320,700 | $270,800 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,178 | $1,838 |
| Median household income | $70,518 | $76,320 |
| Property tax per year | $5,075 | $4,263 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 577 | 191 |
| Property crime per 100k | 3,077 | 1,672 |
| Schools rated A or B | 63% | 69% |
| Average commute | 26 min | 30 min |
| Work from home | 16% | 12% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 38% | 25% |
| Median age | 33.4 years | 35.0 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 108 | 93 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Low | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Dallas | Garland | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (59) | C+ (50) |
| Jobs and income | C- (35) | C+ (50) |
| Schools | C+ (50) | B (65) |
| Safety | F (7) | C+ (52) |
| Errands and things to do | B+ (77) | A (89) |
| Getting around | B- (58) | D- (11) |
| Education levels | C- (33) | D- (14) |
| Health | D- (12) | D- (14) |
| Home ownership | F (7) | B (67) |
| Internet access | D+ (30) | B+ (74) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Rent is lower in Dallas: a median of $1,472 a month, 10% lower than Garland's $1,641.
The median home is worth $320,700 in Dallas and $270,800 in Garland. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,178 a month against $1,838, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 4.5 times income in Dallas and 3.5 times in Garland.
Commute and location
Commutes average 26 minutes in Dallas and 30 in Garland.
The two are about 10 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Garland has less violent crime. Dallas reported 577 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Garland reported 191 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 63% of Dallas's 322 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 69% of Garland's 58.
Common questions
Is Dallas or Garland better to live in?
Garland grades higher overall (C- vs B-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Dallas cheaper than Garland?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Dallas or Garland?
Garland, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.