Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Midland, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Seattle is 98% more expensive than Midland.

$1,998/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 30%
$121,984/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 25%
$912,100 ↑ 205%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 67%
$2,220/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 34%
741,440
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $30,815/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Midland — common questions

Is Seattle or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Midland?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Midland?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $30,815/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Midland

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven