Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Midland, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Salt Lake City is 18% more expensive than Midland.

$1,343/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 5%
$74,925/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 22%
$495,700 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 40%
$1,394/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 5%
203,888
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $16,244/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Midland residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Midland — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Midland?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Midland?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $16,244/year higher in Midland.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Midland details →

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