Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Midland, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Los Angeles is 89% more expensive than Midland.

$1,879/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 13%
$879,500 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 66%
$2,055/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 29%
3,857,897
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $10,803/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Midland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Midland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Midland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $10,803/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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