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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Surprise is 9% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,917/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 7%
$93,371/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 51%
$396,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 21%
$1,587/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 26%
149,519
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $47,982/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Surprise or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $47,982/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 Surprise or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and The Woodlands

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite 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