A
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
30%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Midland Texas National
Cost of living10894100
Groceries9698100
Health care9898100
Housing13083100
Transportation9498100
Utilities104103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare10498100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Midland, TX

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Midland is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Midland is 108, which is 8% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Midland are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Midland can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Midland, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 30.3% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Midland?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 16 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Midland. The results indicated that 44% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 56% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Midland Affordable?

Is Midland an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Midland, the median home price is 30.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 30.1% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Midland come in at $125,467, which is 54.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Midland?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Midland, the transportation index is 5.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Midland, the healthcare costs are 2% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Midland cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Midland is 14% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Midland is 8% higher than the national average
  • Midland housing is 30% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Midland

See all the best places to live around Midland

Compare Midland, TX Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$148,863$12,405$3,473$4,466
      Renters$85,813$7,151$2,002$2,575
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Midland, TX, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Midland, the median monthly income is $148,863 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,473 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $85,813, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,002 on monthly rental expenses.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Midland, TX145,3241087.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Saguenay, QC145,134n/a 
      Kelowna, BC145,612n/a 
      Denton, TX145,0191055.3%
      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Syracuse, NY146,063954.5%
      Midland, TX145,3241087.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.