Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Chicago is 33% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,380/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 18%
$75,134/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 37%
$1,502/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 22%
2,707,648
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $14,647/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Chicago or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lubbock?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lubbock?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $14,647/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Lubbock details →

More Comparisons

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