Cost of Living: Sugar Land, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Sugar Land

Texas
135
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Sugar Land is 85% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,939/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 48%
$137,511/yr ↑ 183%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 65%
$406,600 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 42%
$1,969/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 47%
109,735
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sugar Land, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $934/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $11,208/year.

Median household income is $88,975/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sugar Land is $406,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sugar Land vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Sugar Land or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sugar Land and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Sugar Land is $1,939/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $934/month.
Which city has higher income, Sugar Land or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $137,511 in Sugar Land and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $88,975/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Sugar Land or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,939/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Sugar Land details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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