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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Tacoma is 9% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,597/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 12%
$83,857/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 69%
$454,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 5%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 15%
220,482
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $57,496/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Tacoma or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $57,496/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 Tacoma or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View The Woodlands details →

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