Cost of Living: The Woodlands, TX vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

The Woodlands is 3% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,792/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 8%
$141,353/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↓ 3%
$479,400 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 15%
$2,005/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 2%
116,916
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $3,842/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is The Woodlands 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 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Sugar Land?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $3,842/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to The Woodlands or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with median rent of $1,792/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 The Woodlands details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for The Woodlands and Sugar Land

The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan 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