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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Midland is 29% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,407/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 27%
$91,169/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 55%
$298,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 61%
$1,468/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 37%
133,998
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $50,184/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Midland or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $50,184/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 Midland or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Midland and The Woodlands

Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan