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

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Boston is 30% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,093/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 7%
$94,755/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 43%
$2,176/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 10%
663,972
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $42,756/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $42,756/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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