Chicago, IL vs Sugar Land, TX: 100 vs 135

$1,380/mo ↓ 29%

Median Rent

$1,939/mo ↑ 41%

$75,134/yr ↓ 45%

Median Income

$137,511/yr ↑ 83%

$315,200 ↓ 22%

Home Value

$406,600 ↑ 29%

$1,502/mo ↓ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,969/mo ↑ 31%

2,707,648

Population

109,735

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $62,377/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Chicago or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Chicago and Sugar Land?

Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $559/month.

Which city has higher income, Chicago or Sugar Land?

Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $62,377/year higher in Sugar Land.

How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?

Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to Chicago or Sugar Land?

It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Chicago

Sugar Land

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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