Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Lubbock is 10% cheaper than Athens.

$1,137/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 2%
$60,487/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 15%
$197,900 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 37%
$1,179/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 1%
261,078
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,832/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Athens — common questions

Is Lubbock or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Athens?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Athens?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $8,832/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Athens details →

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