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

Riverside

California
144
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Riverside is 4% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,812/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 1%
$88,575/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 60%
$542,100 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 12%
$1,880/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 7%
316,241
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $52,778/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $52,778/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 Riverside or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and The Woodlands

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati 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