Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Durham is 40% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,412/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 19%
$79,234/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 24%
$355,300 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 44%
$1,434/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 18%
288,465
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $18,747/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Durham or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lubbock?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lubbock?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $18,747/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Lubbock details →

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