Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Raleigh is 19% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,468/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 32%
$82,424/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 67%
$377,800 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 8%
$1,487/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 32%
470,763
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $55,087/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Raleigh or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $55,087/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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