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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Oakland is 97% more expensive than Midland.

$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 27%
$97,369/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 6%
$924,700 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 68%
$2,164/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 32%
438,072
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $6,200/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Midland — common questions

Is Oakland or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Midland?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Midland?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $6,200/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Midland details →

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