Santa Rosa, CA vs Midland, TX: 172 vs 99

$2,084/mo ↑ 48%

Median Rent

$1,407/mo ↓ 32%

$97,410/yr ↑ 7%

Median Income

$91,169/yr ↓ 6%

$685,000 ↑ 129%

Home Value

$298,600 ↓ 56%

$2,130/mo ↑ 45%

Owner Costs

$1,468/mo ↓ 31%

177,216

Population

133,998

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $677/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $8,124/year.

Median household income is $6,241/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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

Santa Rosa vs Midland — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Midland cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Midland?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $677/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Midland?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $6,241/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Santa Rosa or Midland?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Midland

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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