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

Downey

California
169
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Downey is 25% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,892/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 2%
$87,400/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 57%
$728,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 44%
$1,997/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 1%
111,793
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Downey, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $50,111/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Downey is $728,500 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

Downey vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Downey 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Downey and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Downey is $1,892/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Downey or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $87,400 in Downey and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $50,111/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Downey or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Downey has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,892/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 Downey details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Downey and Sugar Land

Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens 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