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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Midland is 41% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,407/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 56%
$91,169/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 12%
$298,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 98%
$1,468/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 52%
133,998
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $11,152/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Midland or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Fairfield?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Fairfield?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $11,152/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Midland and Fairfield

Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill