Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Baltimore is 12% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,290/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 12%
$59,623/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 1%
$219,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 10%
$1,333/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 12%
577,193
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $864/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Baltimore or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Lubbock?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Lubbock?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $864/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Lubbock details →

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