Cost of Living: Midland, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Midland is 19% more expensive than Athens.

$1,407/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 17%
$91,169/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 43%
$298,600 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 9%
$1,468/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 21%
133,998
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $39,514/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Athens — common questions

Is Midland or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Athens?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Athens?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $39,514/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Athens details →

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