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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Irvine is 90% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,893/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 33%
$129,647/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 6%
$1,115,400 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 64%
$2,904/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 32%
308,160
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $7,864/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 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

Irvine vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $7,864/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 Irvine or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

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