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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Tempe is 21% more expensive than Midland.

$1,623/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 13%
$77,643/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 17%
$421,900 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 29%
$1,554/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 6%
186,419
Population
133,998

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $13,526/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Midland — common questions

Is Tempe or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Midland?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Midland?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $13,526/year higher in Midland.
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 Tempe or Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Midland

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