Median rent is 15% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,939/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sugar Land, where the median home runs $406,600 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Sugar Land ($137,511 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Sugar Land is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sugar Land, TX.
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Sugar Land, TX
How much would you need to earn in Sugar Land, TX to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Sugar Land, TX
$74,971
You could earn $29 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Sugar Land
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,939/mo in Sugar Land (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $406,600 in Sugar Land — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Texas; Sugar Land has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Sugar Land
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Sugar Land.
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize higher median household income ($137,511/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Is Austin cheaper than Sugar Land?
Sugar Land is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Sugar Land.
How much is rent in Austin vs Sugar Land?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,939/mo in Sugar Land, TX. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $137,511 in Sugar Land, TX. Sugar Land, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Sugar Land?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Sugar Land to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,962 in Sugar Land, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology