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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Durham is 22% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,412/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 37%
$79,234/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 74%
$355,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 14%
$1,434/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 37%
288,465
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $527/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $6,324/year.

Median household income is $58,277/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 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

Durham vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Durham or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $527/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $58,277/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 Durham or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Sugar Land

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo 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