Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

West Palm Beach is 14% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,709/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 5%
$69,261/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 104%
$369,800 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 30%
$1,667/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 20%
119,508
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Palm Beach, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $72,092/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and The Woodlands?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $72,092/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to West Palm Beach or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for West Palm Beach and The Woodlands

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