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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Arlington is 30% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,389/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 40%
$73,519/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 87%
$276,400 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 47%
$1,420/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 39%
394,769
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $63,992/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Arlington or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $63,992/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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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