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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

College Station is 35% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,168/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 53%
$51,776/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 173%
$326,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 47%
$1,251/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 60%
122,280
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $89,577/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is College Station or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and The Woodlands?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $89,577/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 College Station or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View The Woodlands details →

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