Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Tampa is 19% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,567/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 14%
$71,302/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 98%
$375,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 28%
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 29%
393,389
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $70,051/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Tampa or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $70,051/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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