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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Cary and Sugar Land have a similar cost of living.

$1,621/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 20%
$129,399/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 6%
$525,200 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 23%
$1,744/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 13%
176,686
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $8,112/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Cary 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 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $8,112/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

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