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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Fairfield is 24% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,191/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 12%
$102,321/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 34%
$592,500 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 31%
$2,226/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 12%
119,985
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $35,190/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 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

Fairfield vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Fairfield 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 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $35,190/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 Fairfield or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Sugar Land

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill 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