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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Santa Rosa is 27% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$2,084/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 7%
$97,410/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 41%
$685,000 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 41%
$2,130/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 8%
177,216
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $145/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $1,740/year.

Median household income is $40,101/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Santa Rosa 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 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $145/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $40,101/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 Rosa or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Sugar Land

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga 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