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

Orange

California
206
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Orange is 53% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,252/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 14%
$116,945/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 18%
$900,700 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 55%
$2,394/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 18%
138,723
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $20,566/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $20,566/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 Orange or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Sugar Land

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City 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