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

Oakland

California
195
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Oakland is 40% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,917/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 7%
$97,369/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 45%
$924,700 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 48%
$2,164/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 7%
438,072
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $43,984/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $43,984/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 Oakland or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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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More Comparisons

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