Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Billings, MT (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Lubbock is 13% cheaper than Billings.

$1,137/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 4%
$60,487/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 19%
$197,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 58%
$1,179/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ≈ Same
261,078
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,368/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Montana's 6.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Billings — common questions

Is Lubbock or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Billings?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Billings?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,368/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Montana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Billings details →

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