Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Boise, ID (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Lubbock is 33% cheaper than Boise.

$1,137/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 20%
$60,487/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 34%
$197,900 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 130%
$1,179/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 13%
261,078
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $20,821/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Boise — common questions

Is Lubbock or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Boise?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Boise?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $20,821/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Boise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Boise

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise