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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Carrollton is 17% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,674/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 7%
$99,115/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 43%
$353,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 36%
$1,689/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 19%
132,741
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Carrollton, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $42,238/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Carrollton or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $42,238/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 Carrollton or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and The Woodlands

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan