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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Dallas is 30% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,403/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 28%
$67,760/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 109%
$295,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 62%
$1,409/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 42%
1,299,553
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $73,593/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Dallas or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $73,593/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 Dallas or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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