Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Scottsdale is 22% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,910/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 2%
$107,372/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 28%
$709,900 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 43%
$1,824/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 8%
242,169
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $30,139/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Scottsdale 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 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $30,139/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Sugar Land

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk 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