Friendswood, TX vs. Sugar Land, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Patels, both earning a gross monthly income of $6,500. The Garcias rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Friendswood for $1,450, while the Patels pay $1,700 for a similar place in Sugar Land. When it comes to groceries, the Garcias spend around $800 per month, compared to the Patels’ $950 in Sugar Land. Over a year, the Garcias would save $3,000 on rent and $1,800 on food alone. But which city is more affordable overall? Let’s dive into a detailed cost of living comparison between Friendswood and Sugar Land for 2025.
Housing Costs: Friendswood vs Sugar Land
| Housing Type | Friendswood | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $325,000 | $385,000 |
| Typical Mortgage Payment | $1,950/month | $2,310/month |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450/month | $1,700/month |
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are notably lower in Friendswood compared to Sugar Land. A household moving from Sugar Land to Friendswood might save $400/month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
In Friendswood, expect to pay around $180 per month for a typical household’s utility bills, including electricity, water, and gas. Sugar Land residents usually pay closer to $210 monthly due to slightly higher electricity rates. Both cities experience hot summers, so budget for higher AC usage from June to September. Friendswood offers an off-peak energy program that can help reduce costs.
🏆 Winner: Friendswood, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Expect to spend around 15% less on groceries and everyday items in Friendswood compared to Sugar Land. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Friendswood versus $4 in Sugar Land, while a dozen eggs cost $2.80 and $3.20 respectively. Dining out is also more affordable in Friendswood, with a typical meal for two costing $50 compared to $60 in Sugar Land.
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. The cost of food and daily goods is noticeably lower in Friendswood.
Taxes and Fees
Friendswood has a slightly lower property tax rate of 2.1% compared to Sugar Land’s 2.3%. For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of $700 per year. Both cities have HOA fees that typically range from $30-100 per month, often including amenities like pools and landscaping. Friendswood has a unique Drainage Fee of $5/month per household to maintain its flood control systems.
🏆 Winner: Friendswood. While the difference is small, Friendswood edges out Sugar Land on taxes and city fees.
Cost of Living in Friendswood vs Sugar Land Summary
| Category | Friendswood | Sugar Land |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,950 | $2,310 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $800 | $950 |
| Transportation | $350 | $380 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $680 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,280 | $4,980 |
Lifestyle Fit: Friendswood or Sugar Land?
While Friendswood is more affordable overall, Sugar Land offers perks that may be worth the extra cost for some. Sugar Land is known for its master-planned communities, excellent schools, and easy access to Houston via Highway 69. However, Friendswood boasts a small-town feel, lower crime rates, and proximity to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay for outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Friendswood more affordable than Sugar Land?
A: Yes, Friendswood has a lower overall cost of living, with cheaper housing, groceries, and slightly lower taxes and utilities than Sugar Land.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Friendswood has lower rental prices, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,450/month compared to $1,700/month in Sugar Land.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home, Friendswood or Sugar Land?
A: Friendswood has a lower median home price of $325,000 versus $385,000 in Sugar Land, translating to a typical mortgage payment that’s $360 less per month.
The Bottom Line
For most households, Friendswood offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Sugar Land. However, Sugar Land’s newer developments, highly-rated schools, and shorter commute to central Houston will be worth the premium for some. Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s budget, lifestyle priorities, and work location. Be sure to check out our other cost of living comparisons for Texas cities to explore all your options!