Median rent is 27% lower in Midland ($1,434/mo vs $1,957/mo). Buying is cheaper in Midland, where the median home runs $319,200 versus $430,200. Households earn more in Sugar Land ($136,217 vs $89,585 a year). Taken together, Midland is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.6 against 99.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Sugar Land, TX.
City A
Midland, TX
City B
Sugar Land, TX
How much would you need to earn in Sugar Land, TX to maintain your standard of living from Midland, TX?
Equivalent salary in Sugar Land, TX
$75,087
You'd need $87 more (0% higher).
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
Midland
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 Midland — median rent of $1,434/mo versus $1,957/mo in Sugar Land, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Sugar Land: the median home is $430,200 versus $319,200 in Midland — 26% 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.
Midland
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).
Pick Midland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,434/mo median).
Is Midland cheaper than Sugar Land?
Midland is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.6 versus 99.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Midland.
How much is rent in Midland vs Sugar Land?
Median rent is $1,434/mo in Midland, TX and $1,957/mo in Sugar Land, TX. Midland, TX has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Midland or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $89,585 in Midland, TX 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 — Midland 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 Midland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Midland, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,116 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
