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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Wilmington is 26% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,311/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 48%
$63,900/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 115%
$350,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 16%
$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 44%
118,578
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $73,611/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Wilmington or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $73,611/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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 Wilmington details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Sugar Land

Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge 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