Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Midland, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Raleigh is 11% more expensive than Midland.

$1,468/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 4%
$82,424/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 11%
$377,800 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 21%
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 1%
470,763
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $8,745/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Midland — common questions

Is Raleigh or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Midland?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Midland?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $8,745/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Midland details →

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