Cost of Living: The Woodlands, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

The Woodlands is 76% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,792/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 29%
$141,353/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 54%
$479,400 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 57%
$2,005/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 41%
116,916
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $76,161/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Dearborn — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Dearborn?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Dearborn?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $76,161/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View The Woodlands details → View Dearborn details →

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