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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Plano is 5% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,792/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ≈ Same
$108,649/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 30%
$440,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 9%
$1,829/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 10%
287,339
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $32,704/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Plano or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $32,704/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 Plano or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and The Woodlands

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