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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Waco is 47% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,098/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 77%
$51,468/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 167%
$199,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 104%
$1,094/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 80%
141,925
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $841/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $10,092/year.

Median household income is $86,043/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Waco or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $841/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $86,043/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Waco or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Sugar Land details →

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