Tempe, AZ vs Sugar Land, TX: 120 vs 135

$1,623/mo ↓ 16%

Median Rent

$1,939/mo ↑ 19%

$77,643/yr ↓ 44%

Median Income

$137,511/yr ↑ 77%

$421,900 ↑ 4%

Home Value

$406,600 ↓ 4%

$1,554/mo ↓ 21%

Owner Costs

$1,969/mo ↑ 27%

186,419

Population

109,735

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $59,868/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Tempe or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Sugar Land?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $316/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Sugar Land?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $59,868/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 Tempe or Sugar Land?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.

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

Tempe

Sugar Land

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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