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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Berkeley is 86% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,127/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 9%
$108,558/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 27%
$1,351,100 ↑ 232%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 70%
$2,340/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 16%
120,223
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $28,953/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Berkeley 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 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $28,953/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Sugar Land

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach 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