Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Philadelphia is 37% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,323/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 47%
$60,698/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 127%
$232,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 75%
$1,233/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 60%
1,582,432
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $76,813/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $76,813/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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