Median rent is 3% lower in Sugar Land ($1,957/mo vs $2,018/mo). Buying is cheaper in Sugar Land, where the median home runs $430,200 versus $1,039,500. Households earn more in Sugar Land ($136,217 vs $87,493 a year). Taken together, Sugar Land is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.7 against 100.6 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sugar Land, TX.
Quick verdict
Sugar Land is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 99.7 in Sugar Land vs 100.6 in Boulder (US average = 100)
City A
Boulder, CO
City B
Sugar Land, TX
How much would you need to earn in Sugar Land, TX to maintain your standard of living from Boulder, CO?
Equivalent salary in Sugar Land, TX
$74,344
You could earn $656 less (1% 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
Boulder
Colorado
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 rents are similar in both cities: $2,018/mo in Boulder and $1,957/mo in Sugar Land. Home buyers face a steeper market in Boulder: the median home is $1,039,500 versus $430,200 in Sugar Land — 59% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Boulder
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Sugar Land
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize higher median household income ($136,217/yr).
Is Boulder cheaper than Sugar Land?
Sugar Land is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.7 versus 100.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Sugar Land.
How much is rent in Boulder vs Sugar Land?
Median rent is $2,018/mo in Boulder, CO and $1,957/mo in Sugar Land, TX. Sugar Land, TX has the lower rent by about 3%.
Which has higher salaries — Boulder or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $87,493 in Boulder, CO and $136,217 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 — Boulder or Sugar Land?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Sugar Land to match my Boulder income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boulder, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,125 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
