Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Alexandria is 38% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,031/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 5%
$113,638/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 21%
$696,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 42%
$2,173/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 9%
156,788
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $23,873/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Alexandria or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $23,873/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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