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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Berkeley is 81% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,127/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 16%
$108,558/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 30%
$1,351,100 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 65%
$2,340/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 14%
120,223
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $32,795/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Berkeley or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $32,795/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View The Woodlands details →

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