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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Fullerton is 44% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,124/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 9%
$104,219/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 32%
$859,600 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 53%
$2,251/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 13%
141,278
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $33,292/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 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

Fullerton vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Fullerton 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $33,292/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 Fullerton or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Sugar Land

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren 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