Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Elk Grove is 21% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,180/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 18%
$122,229/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 16%
$603,400 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 21%
$2,227/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 10%
177,221
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $19,124/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Elk Grove 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 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $19,124/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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