Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Austin is 79% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,655/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 31%
$91,461/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 34%
$512,700 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 61%
$1,747/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 33%
967,862
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $30,974/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Austin or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lubbock?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lubbock?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $30,974/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Lubbock details →

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