Skyline of Midland
Cost of Living: 100 135,000

Midland, TX, US

Oil and gas capital of the Permian Basin with a booming energy economy.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 105

Above Average

Median Income $70,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.8%

Job market health

Midland vs US Average

Cost of Living
Midland: 100
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Midland: 105
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 8.2%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $70,000
  • Unemployment: 2.8%
  • Population: 135,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 260/year
  • Summer High: 94°F
  • Winter Low: 34°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: $320,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1400/mo

Cost of Living

Midland's cost of living index is 100 (US average = 100).

CategoryMidlandNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing105100+5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$320,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,750/mo
Price per Sq Ft$213

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Midland:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$88Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$57Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$19Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$65Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$324Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Midland scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
$1400
Sunny Days
260
Tax
None
Unemployment
2.8%
Climate
94°F / 34°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
135,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Midland has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January54°F34°F2.5"
April79°F49°F2.8"
July94°F69°F1.5"
October74°F52°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Midland faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Tornado High Risk

Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Hurricane High Risk

Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.

Flood High Risk

Coastal flooding and flash floods.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%
  • Property Tax: ~1.8% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

Schools & Education

54/100
School Quality Score
Better than 24% of US cities
?
47
Total Schools
11.4:1
Student:Teacher
88.7%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Midland, TX, US?

The cost of living index in Midland is 100, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Midland?

The median home price in Midland is $320,000. The housing index is 105.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Midland is approximately $1400/mo.

Does Midland, TX have income tax?

Midland is in TX, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Midland?

Midland enjoys approximately 260 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 94°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.