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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Arlington is 50% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,275/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 15%
$140,160/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↓ 2%
$864,800 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 53%
$2,414/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 18%
235,463
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $2,649/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

Arlington vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Arlington 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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $2,649/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 Arlington details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Sugar Land

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane 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