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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Richmond

California
161

Midland is 39% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,407/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 35%
$91,169/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 1%
$298,600 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 118%
$1,468/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 37%
133,998
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $1,131/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Richmond — common questions

Is Midland or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Richmond?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Richmond?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $1,131/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Midland details → View Richmond details →

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