Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Arlington is 32% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,389/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 29%
$73,519/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 92%
$276,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 73%
$1,420/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 41%
394,769
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $67,834/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Arlington or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $67,834/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
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