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

Richmond

California
161
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Richmond is 19% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,895/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 2%
$90,038/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 53%
$650,100 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 37%
$2,015/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 2%
115,396
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 161 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $47,473/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $650,100 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

Richmond vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Richmond 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 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,895/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $47,473/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 Richmond or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 161 with median rent of $1,895/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 Richmond details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Sugar Land

Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell 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