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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Boston is 27% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,093/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 14%
$94,755/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 33%
$2,176/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 8%
663,972
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $46,598/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $46,598/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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