Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Midland, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Columbus is 16% cheaper than Midland.

$1,224/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 15%
$65,327/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 40%
$234,500 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 27%
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 18%
906,480
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $25,842/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Midland — common questions

Is Columbus or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Midland?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Midland?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $25,842/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Midland

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