Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Midland, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Chicago and Midland have a similar cost of living.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 2%
$75,134/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 21%
$315,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 5%
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 2%
2,707,648
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,035/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Midland — common questions

Is Chicago or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Midland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Midland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $16,035/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Midland

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