Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Houston is 17% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,313/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 13%
$62,894/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 4%
$253,400 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 22%
$1,316/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 10%
2,300,419
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $2,407/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Houston or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Lubbock?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Lubbock?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $2,407/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Lubbock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Lubbock

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving