Cost of Living: El Paso, TX vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

El Paso is 11% cheaper than Lubbock.

$1,041/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
$58,734/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 3%
$171,700 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 15%
$1,044/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 13%
678,147
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $1,753/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Lubbock — common questions

Is El Paso or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Lubbock?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Lubbock?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $1,753/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to El Paso or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Lubbock details →

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