Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Salt Lake City is 16% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,343/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 33%
$74,925/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 89%
$495,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 3%
$1,394/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 44%
203,888
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $66,428/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $66,428/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and The Woodlands

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