Is Midland, TX cheaper than Tempe, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Midland, TX is 12.1% cheaper than Tempe, AZ. This translates to saving $905 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Tempe, AZ, you'd need approximately $139,141.728 in Midland, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Tempe, AZ and Midland, TX?

Housing in Midland, TX is 26.1% cheaper than in Tempe, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,886/month in Midland, TX compared to $2,045/month in Tempe, AZ.

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

Moving from Tempe, AZ to Midland, TX could save you approximately $905 per month, or $10858 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Tempe, AZ vs Midland, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Tempe, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $905/month moving to Midland, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.1K in Midland, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$905

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

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

Tempe, AZ

Population:190K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$452K

Midland, TX

Population:138K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$345K

Tempe, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

190K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 190K residents.

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tempe, AZ vs Midland, TX

Category	Tempe, AZ	Midland, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,859/mo	$2,112/mo	↓ $746less	26.1%
Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,347/mo	↓ $142less	9.5%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,669/mo	↓ $105less	5.9%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$548/mo	↓ $40.32less	6.9%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$506/mo	↓ $40.13less	7.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$957/mo	↓ $2.20less	0.2%

Housing

↓ 26.1%

Tempe, AZ

$2,859

Midland, TX

$2,112

Difference

$746

less

Transportation

↓ 9.5%

Tempe, AZ

$1,489

Midland, TX

$1,347

Difference

$142

less

Other

↓ 5.9%

Tempe, AZ

$1,774

Midland, TX

$1,669

Difference

$105

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Tempe, AZ

$589

Midland, TX

$548

Difference

$40.32

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.3%

Tempe, AZ

$546

Midland, TX

$506

Difference

$40.13

less

Groceries

↓ 0.2%

Tempe, AZ

$959

Midland, TX

$957

Difference

$2.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,620

To$1,550

↓ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,760

To$1,561

↓ $199

2 Bed

From$2,045

To$1,886

↓ $159

3 Bed

From$2,725

To$2,417

↓ $308

Tempe, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,730–$2,200/mo

Midland, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,440–$1,600/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.

$8,216

Monthly in Tempe, AZ

$7,141

Monthly in Midland, TX

$1,076

Difference

Home Values

Tempe

Midland

$452K

Median Value

$345K

↓ -2.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.1%

↑ +27.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +14.7%

$397K - $701K

Price Range

$211K - $409K

Homes in Midland are 24% less expensive than Tempe

Calculate payment - Tempe Calculate payment - Midland

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$436

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Tempe, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Additional Tax Information

Tempe, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

Midland, 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.