Median rent is 32% lower in Houston ($1,313/mo vs $1,939/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $253,400 versus $406,600. Households earn more in Sugar Land ($137,511 vs $62,894 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.8).
City A
Houston, TX
City B
Sugar Land, TX
How much would you need to earn in Sugar Land, TX to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in Sugar Land, TX
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Houston
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Houston — median rent of $1,313/mo versus $1,939/mo in Sugar Land, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sugar Land: the median home is $406,600 versus $253,400 in Houston — 38% 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).
Houston
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Sugar Land
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Houston (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Sugar Land.
Pick Sugar Land if you prioritize higher median household income ($137,511/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,313/mo median).
Is Houston cheaper than Sugar Land?
Houston 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 Houston.
How much is rent in Houston vs Sugar Land?
Median rent is $1,313/mo in Houston, TX and $1,939/mo in Sugar Land, TX. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston, 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 — Houston or Sugar Land?
Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Sugar Land to match my Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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