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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Santa Ana is 21% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,975/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 2%
$88,354/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 56%
$657,800 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 38%
$1,965/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ≈ Same
311,639
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $49,157/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $49,157/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 Santa Ana or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Sugar Land

Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul 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