Moving from Boulder to Midland (2026)
Midland has a COL index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,157/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
13293
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,300$1,200
per month
State tax
4.4%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,466$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Midland to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Midland |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,182 |
| $50K | $35,227 |
| $60K | $42,273 |
| $75K | $52,841 |
| $80K | $56,364 |
| $100K | $70,455 |
| $120K | $84,545 |
| $150K | $105,682 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Midland
| Expense | Boulder | Midland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $414 | $365 |
| Transport | $80 | $35 |
| Utilities | $138 | $178 |
| Internet | $68 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,898 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Midland cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Midland has a cost of living index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Midland?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Midland could save roughly $1,157/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,884/year.
What salary do I need in Midland to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $52,841/year in Midland. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Midland to BoulderBoulder vs Midland — full comparisonBoulder cost of livingMidland cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only