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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

San Francisco is 98% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,419/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 20%
$141,446/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↓ 3%
$1,380,500 ↑ 240%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 71%
$2,620/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 25%
836,321
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $3,935/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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

San Francisco vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Sugar Land?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $480/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $3,935/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Sugar Land details →

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