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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Houston is 37% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,313/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 36%
$62,894/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 125%
$253,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 89%
$1,316/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 52%
2,300,419
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $78,459/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Houston or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $78,459/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 Houston or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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