Cost of Living: The Woodlands, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Downey

California
169

The Woodlands is 18% cheaper than Downey.

$1,792/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 6%
$141,353/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 38%
$479,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 52%
$2,005/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ≈ Same
116,916
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $53,953/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Downey — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Downey?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Downey?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $53,953/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View The Woodlands details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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