Median rent is 21% lower in Midland ($1,434/mo vs $1,822/mo). Buying is cheaper in Midland, where the median home runs $319,200 versus $511,700. Households earn more in The Woodlands ($140,701 vs $89,585 a year). Taken together, Midland is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.6 against 99.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in The Woodlands, TX.
City A
Midland, TX
City B
The Woodlands, TX
How much would you need to earn in The Woodlands, TX to maintain your standard of living from Midland, TX?
Equivalent salary in The Woodlands, TX
$75,087
You'd need $87 more (0% higher).
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
Midland
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 Midland — median rent of $1,434/mo versus $1,822/mo in The Woodlands, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in The Woodlands: the median home is $511,700 versus $319,200 in Midland — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Midland
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
The Woodlands
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick The Woodlands if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,701/yr).
Pick Midland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,434/mo median).
Is Midland cheaper than The Woodlands?
Midland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.6 versus 99.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Midland.
How much is rent in Midland vs The Woodlands?
Median rent is $1,434/mo in Midland, TX and $1,822/mo in The Woodlands, TX. Midland, TX has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Midland or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $89,585 in Midland, TX and $140,701 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 — Midland or The Woodlands?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in The Woodlands to match my Midland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Midland, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,116 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
