Midland, TX vs Plano, TX
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Midland is 20.4% cheaper than Plano. With a cost index of 101 vs 126, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Midland to Plano should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Midland is $1,407/month compared to $1,792/month in Plano — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Midland is more affordable at $298,600 median vs $440,600.
Median household income in Midland is $91,169 compared to $108,649 in Plano (-16.1%). The higher salaries in Plano partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Midland spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Plano.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (65.8°F vs 65°F). Plano receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 13.5" in Midland.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)