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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Seattle is 41% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,998/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 10%
$121,984/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 16%
$912,100 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 47%
$2,220/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 10%
741,440
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $19,369/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $19,369/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and The Woodlands

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