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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Cambridge is 77% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,742/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 29%
$126,469/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 9%
$1,040,500 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 61%
$2,634/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 25%
117,794
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $11,042/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 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

Cambridge vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Cambridge 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 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $11,042/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 Cambridge or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cambridge and Sugar Land

Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland 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