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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Santa Clarita is 46% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,486/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 22%
$119,926/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 15%
$721,000 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 44%
$2,649/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 26%
229,021
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $17,585/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 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 Clarita vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clarita and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $17,585/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 Clarita or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Sugar Land

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge 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