Plano, TX vs The Woodlands, TX

Plano, TX and The Woodlands, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.7% difference in their overall index. Plano scores 126 while The Woodlands scores 129 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Plano is $1,792/month compared to $1,792/month in The Woodlands — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while The Woodlands has cheaper rent, Plano actually has lower median home values ($440,600 vs $479,400).

Median household income in Plano is $108,649 compared to $141,353 in The Woodlands (-23.1%). While The Woodlands is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Plano spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in The Woodlands.

Climate-wise, The Woodlands is notably warmer with an average of 69.8°F compared to 65°F in Plano. The Woodlands receives more rainfall at 50.8" per year compared to 38.3" in Plano.