Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Ann Arbor is 13% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,552/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 15%
$81,089/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 74%
$435,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 10%
$1,638/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 22%
121,179
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $60,264/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $60,264/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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