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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Midland is 43% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,407/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 66%
$91,169/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 20%
$298,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 103%
$1,468/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 62%
133,998
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $923/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $11,076/year.

Median household income is $18,611/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Midland or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Murrieta?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $923/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Murrieta?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $18,611/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Murrieta details →

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