Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Rochester is 55% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,039/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 87%
$46,628/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 195%
$120,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 237%
$1,009/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 95%
209,720
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $900/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,800/year.

Median household income is $90,883/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Rochester or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $900/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $90,883/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Sugar Land

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral 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