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

Carlsbad

California
253
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Carlsbad is 87% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,678/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 28%
$139,326/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↓ 1%
$1,156,900 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 65%
$2,801/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 30%
114,500
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carlsbad, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 253 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $739/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $8,868/year.

Median household income is $1,815/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carlsbad is $1,156,900 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

Carlsbad vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Carlsbad 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 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carlsbad and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Carlsbad is $2,678/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $739/month.
Which city has higher income, Carlsbad or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $139,326 in Carlsbad and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $1,815/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with median rent of $2,678/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 Carlsbad details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

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Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin 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