Is Austin, TX cheaper than Midland, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.5% more expensive than Midland, TX. This translates to spending an extra $788 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Midland, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Midland, TX, you'd need approximately $159,451.388 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Midland, TX and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 36.5% more expensive than in Midland, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,886/month in Midland, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Midland, TX to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $788 more per month than Midland, TX, or $9451 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Midland, TX vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Midland, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Lubbock, TX area

Current salary in Midland, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $788/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$788

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Midland, TX

Population:138K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$345K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$558K

Midland, TX

The Lone Star State

138K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 138K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Midland, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Midland, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,112/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $772more	36.5%
📦Other	$1,669/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $71.74more	4.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,347/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $63.25less	4.7%
🏥Healthcare	$548/mo	$589/mo	↑ $40.32more	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$506/mo	$541/mo	↑ $34.66more	6.8%
🛒Groceries	$957/mo	$959/mo	↑ $2.20more	0.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 36.5%

Midland, TX

$2,112

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$772

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Midland, TX

$1,669

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$71.74

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.7%

Midland, TX

$1,347

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$63.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Midland, TX

$548

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$40.32

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.8%

Midland, TX

$506

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$34.66

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Midland, TX

$957

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$2.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,550

To$1,585

↑ $35.00

1 Bed

From$1,561

To$1,685

↑ $124

2 Bed

From$1,886

To$1,995

↑ $109

3 Bed

From$2,417

To$2,525

↑ $108

Midland, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,440–$1,600/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,141

Monthly in Midland, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$858

Difference

Home Values

Midland

Austin

$345K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +14.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$211K - $409K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 62% more expensive than Midland

Calculate payment - Midland Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Midland, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Midland, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.