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

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

The Woodlands is 67% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,792/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 26%
$141,353/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 48%
$479,400 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 57%
$2,005/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 38%
116,916
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $68,323/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Odessa — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Odessa?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Odessa?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $68,323/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View The Woodlands details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for The Woodlands and Odessa

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