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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Los Angeles is 39% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,879/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 3%
$80,366/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 71%
$879,500 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 54%
$2,055/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 4%
3,857,897
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $57,145/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $57,145/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 Los Angeles or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Sugar Land

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