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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Houston is 35% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,313/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 48%
$62,894/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 119%
$253,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 60%
$1,316/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 50%
2,300,419
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $626/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $7,512/year.

Median household income is $74,617/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Houston or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $626/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $74,617/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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