Median rent is 8% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,792/mo). Buying is cheaper in The Woodlands, where the median home runs $479,400 versus $512,700. Households earn more in The Woodlands ($141,353 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, The Woodlands is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in The Woodlands, TX.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
The Woodlands, TX
How much would you need to earn in The Woodlands, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in The Woodlands, TX
$74,971
You could earn $29 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
The Woodlands
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,792/mo in The Woodlands (8% gap). Median home values are within 6% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $479,400 in The Woodlands.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; The Woodlands has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
The Woodlands
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for The Woodlands.
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,353/yr).
Is Austin cheaper than The Woodlands?
The Woodlands is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in The Woodlands.
How much is rent in Austin vs The Woodlands?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $141,353 in The Woodlands, TX. The Woodlands, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or The Woodlands?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in The Woodlands to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,962 in The Woodlands, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology