Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Midland, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Mesa is 8% more expensive than Midland.

$1,478/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 5%
$78,779/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 16%
$364,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 18%
$1,404/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 5%
507,478
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $12,390/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Midland — common questions

Is Mesa or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Midland?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Midland?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $12,390/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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