Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Midland, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Boston is 78% more expensive than Midland.

$2,093/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 33%
$94,755/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 4%
$710,400 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 58%
$2,176/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 33%
663,972
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $3,586/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Midland — common questions

Is Boston or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Midland?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Midland?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $3,586/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Midland details →

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