Cost of Living in The Woodlands, TX

Population 116,916 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

149
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of The Woodlands's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $141,353 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.

Cost Overview

Housing 157
Rent 136

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in The Woodlands

The median home value in The Woodlands is $479,400 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,792/month, 36% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $141,353/year is 90% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 80.1°F and lows of 59.5°F. Overall, The Woodlands has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$479,400
57% above avg
Median Rent
$1,792/mo
36% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.3x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 71.7%
Renter-occupied 28.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,792
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,406/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
29.9 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.6%
Carpooled
5.8%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
1.1%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
18.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$141,353
90% above avg
Per Capita Income
$73,221
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Labor Force Participation
61.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.2%
Graduate degree 27.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.5
Male median age 39.3
Female median age 41.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.1°F
Avg Low
59.5°F
Annual Precip
50.8"
40° 55° 70° 85° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 636874808792949591827265
Low °F 434753596773757470605044
Precip" 3.532.703.363.834.945.373.734.875.195.583.983.74

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate
41.5%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
216
PM2.5 days
148
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in The Woodlands, TX?

The Woodlands has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.

What is average rent in The Woodlands, TX?

The median gross rent in The Woodlands is $1,792 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in The Woodlands?

The median home value in The Woodlands is $479,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in The Woodlands?

The median household income in The Woodlands is $141,353 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in The Woodlands, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in The Woodlands is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is The Woodlands, TX affordable?

The Woodlands is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in The Woodlands?

The Woodlands has average high temperatures of 80.1°F and average lows of 59.5°F. Annual precipitation is 50.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

The Woodlands at a Glance

Population
116,916
Median Income
$141,353
Home Value
$479,400
Median Rent
$1,792/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Avg High Temp
80.1°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
View all cities in Texas →
🗺️ County data for Texas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs