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

Orange

California
206
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Orange is 48% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$2,252/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 20%
$116,945/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 21%
$900,700 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 47%
$2,394/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 16%
138,723
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $24,408/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $24,408/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 Orange or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and The Woodlands

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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