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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Downey

California
169

Midland is 41% cheaper than Downey.

$1,407/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 34%
$91,169/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 4%
$298,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 144%
$1,468/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 36%
133,998
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $3,769/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Downey — common questions

Is Midland or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Downey?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Downey?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,769/year higher in Midland.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Downey details →

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