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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Surprise is 27% more expensive than Midland.

$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 27%
$93,371/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 2%
$396,000 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 25%
$1,587/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 7%
149,519
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $510/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $6,120/year.

Median household income is $2,202/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Midland — common questions

Is Surprise or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Midland?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $510/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Midland?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $2,202/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Midland

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven