Can I Afford to Live in Midland vs Austin on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Midland TX | Austin TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Groceries (est.) | $365 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $35 | $50 |
| Utilities | $178 | $170 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,898/month | $2,284/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in Midland?
At $75K/year in Midland, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 25% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $75K a good salary in Austin?
At $75K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,741. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 38% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Midland leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,898/month vs $2,284/month in Austin.
Can I afford to live alone in Midland on $75K?
Yes. At $75K in Midland, rent takes 25% of your take-home, leaving $2,898/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only