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

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

The Woodlands is 128% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,792/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 47%
$141,353/yr ↑ 116%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 54%
$479,400 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 68%
$2,005/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 51%
116,916
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $75,816/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Springfield — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Springfield?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Springfield?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $75,816/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View The Woodlands details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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