Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Denver is 96% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,770/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 36%
$91,681/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 34%
$586,700 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 66%
$1,839/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
713,734
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $31,194/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Denver or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lubbock?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lubbock?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $31,194/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lubbock details →

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