Median rent is 29% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,939/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $406,600. Households earn more in Sugar Land ($137,511 vs $75,134 a year). Taken together, Sugar Land is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sugar Land, TX.
Quick verdict
Sugar Land is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Sugar Land vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Sugar Land, TX
How much would you need to earn in Sugar Land, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Sugar Land, TX
$70,080
You could earn $4,920 less (7% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,939/mo in Sugar Land, a 29% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sugar Land: the median home is $406,600 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Sugar Land a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Sugar Land has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Sugar Land
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Sugar Land.
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize higher median household income ($137,511/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Chicago cheaper than Sugar Land?
Sugar Land is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Sugar Land.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Sugar Land?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,939/mo in Sugar Land, TX. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 29%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL 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 — Chicago or Sugar Land?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Sugar Land to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,440 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