Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Midland, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Phoenix is 10% more expensive than Midland.

$1,458/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 3%
$77,041/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 18%
$381,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 22%
$1,430/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 3%
1,624,832
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $14,128/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Midland — common questions

Is Phoenix or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Midland?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Midland?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $14,128/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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