Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Boston is 135% more expensive than Lubbock.

$2,093/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 46%
$94,755/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 259%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 72%
$2,176/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 46%
663,972
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $956/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $11,472/year.

Median household income is $34,268/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Boston or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lubbock?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $956/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lubbock?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $34,268/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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