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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Tempe is 14% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,623/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 10%
$77,643/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 82%
$421,900 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 14%
$1,554/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 29%
186,419
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $63,710/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Tempe or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $63,710/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 Tempe or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View The Woodlands details →

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