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

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Scottsdale is 19% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,910/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 6%
$107,372/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 32%
$709,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 32%
$1,824/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 10%
242,169
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $33,981/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $33,981/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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