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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Sunnyvale is 153% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$3,065/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 37%
$181,862/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↓ 24%
$1,816,600 ↑ 347%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 78%
$3,016/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 35%
153,455
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,126/month cheaper in Sugar Land, saving renters about $13,512/year.

Median household income is $44,351/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 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

Sunnyvale vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Sunnyvale 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 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $1,126/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $44,351/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Sugar Land details →

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