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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Austin is 4% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,655/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 8%
$91,461/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 55%
$512,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 6%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 15%
967,862
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $49,892/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Austin or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $49,892/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 Austin or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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