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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Midland is 61% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,407/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 51%
$91,169/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 19%
$298,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 352%
$1,468/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
133,998
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $17,389/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Midland or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Berkeley?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Berkeley?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $17,389/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Midland or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Berkeley details →

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