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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Austin and Sugar Land have a similar cost of living.

$1,655/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 17%
$91,461/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 50%
$512,700 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 21%
$1,747/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 13%
967,862
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $46,050/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Austin or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $46,050/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 Austin or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Sugar Land details →

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