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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Santa Ana is 17% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,975/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 9%
$88,354/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 60%
$657,800 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 27%
$1,965/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 2%
311,639
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $52,999/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $52,999/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 Santa Ana or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and The Woodlands

Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul 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