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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Mesa is 21% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,478/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 31%
$78,779/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 75%
$364,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 12%
$1,404/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 40%
507,478
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $58,732/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Mesa or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $58,732/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Sugar Land

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs 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