Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Fort Lauderdale is 5% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,776/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ≈ Same
$79,935/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 77%
$455,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 5%
$1,778/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 13%
183,032
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $61,418/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $61,418/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Lauderdale and The Woodlands

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