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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Garland is 31% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,525/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 18%
$74,717/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 89%
$248,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 93%
$1,445/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 39%
245,298
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $66,636/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Garland or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $66,636/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 Garland or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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