Median rent is 5% lower in The Woodlands ($1,792/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in The Woodlands, where the median home runs $479,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in The Woodlands ($141,353 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, The Woodlands is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in The Woodlands, TX.
Quick verdict
The Woodlands is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in The Woodlands vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
The Woodlands, TX
How much would you need to earn in The Woodlands, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in The Woodlands, TX
$65,378
You could earn $9,622 less (13% 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
Los Angeles
California
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,879/mo in Los Angeles and $1,792/mo in The Woodlands. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $479,400 in The Woodlands — 45% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving The Woodlands a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; The Woodlands has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
The Woodlands
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for The Woodlands.
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 113.3).
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize higher median household income ($141,353/yr).
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Los Angeles cheaper than The Woodlands?
The Woodlands is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in The Woodlands.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs The Woodlands?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,792/mo in The Woodlands, TX. The Woodlands, TX has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA 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 — Los Angeles or The Woodlands?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in The Woodlands to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $87,171 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