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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Long Beach is 25% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,803/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 8%
$83,969/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 64%
$762,200 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 47%
$1,890/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 4%
458,491
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $53,542/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 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

Long Beach vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $53,542/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 Long Beach or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Sugar Land details →

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