Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Ann Arbor is 10% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,552/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 25%
$81,089/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 70%
$435,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 7%
$1,638/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 20%
121,179
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $56,422/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $56,422/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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.
View Ann Arbor details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ann Arbor and Sugar Land

Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks