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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Pasadena is 63% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,218/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 13%
$103,778/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 33%
$1,045,000 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 61%
$2,340/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 16%
136,462
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $33,733/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $33,733/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 Pasadena or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Sugar Land details →

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