CostIndexUSA

Lawrence, KS vs Midland, TX Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableKS
Lawrence
90.2
overall index
$1,475/mo rent
TX
Midland
95.8
overall index
$1,575/mo rent

Lawrence is moderately cheaper than Midland — 6.2% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Lawrence, you would need $85,000 in Midland. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+41.8%
Lawrence
71.6
Midland
101.5
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Lawrence
94
Midland
93.8
🚗 Transportation+2.6%
Lawrence
98.5
Midland
101.1
🏥 Healthcare+2.6%
Lawrence
89.1
Midland
91.4
Utilities6.8%
Lawrence
89.3
Midland
83.2

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Lawrence to see what you'd need to earn in Midland to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Midland, TX
$85,000
$5,000 more needed in Midland

Formula: salary × (95.8 ÷ 90.2) = salary × 1.0621. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Lawrence, KS

Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,475
Housing Index
71.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1×

Midland, TX

Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,575
Housing Index
101.5
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.9×

Midland has 41.8% higher housing costs compared to Lawrence.

Income & Job Market

Lawrence, KS

Median Household Income
$67,000
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Population
98,004
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnologyRetailManufacturing

Midland, TX

Median Household Income
$92,900
Per Capita Income
$53,000
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
Population
132,950
Top Industries
EnergyOil & GasHealthcareManufacturingFinance

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Lawrence, KS
3.8×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Midland, TX
4.9×income-to-rent ratio

80% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.