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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Cambridge is 72% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,742/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 35%
$126,469/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 12%
$1,040,500 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 54%
$2,634/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 24%
117,794
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $14,884/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 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

Cambridge vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Cambridge 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 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $14,884/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 Cambridge or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View The Woodlands details →

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