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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Scottsdale is 67% more expensive than Midland.

$1,910/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 26%
$107,372/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 15%
$709,900 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 58%
$1,824/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 20%
242,169
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $16,203/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 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

Scottsdale vs Midland — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Midland?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Midland?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $16,203/year higher in Scottsdale.
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 Scottsdale or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Midland

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