Median rent is 27% lower in Houston ($1,313/mo vs $1,792/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $253,400 versus $479,400. Households earn more in The Woodlands ($141,353 vs $62,894 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.8).
City A
Houston, TX
City B
The Woodlands, TX
How much would you need to earn in The Woodlands, TX to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in The Woodlands, TX
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Houston
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Houston — median rent of $1,313/mo versus $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in The Woodlands: the median home is $479,400 versus $253,400 in Houston — 47% more expensive.
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).
Houston
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
The Woodlands
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Houston (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for The Woodlands.
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,353/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,313/mo median).
Is Houston cheaper than The Woodlands?
Houston 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 Houston.
How much is rent in Houston vs The Woodlands?
Median rent is $1,313/mo in Houston, TX and $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, TX. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston, 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 — Houston or The Woodlands?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in The Woodlands to match my Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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