Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Lubbock is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,137/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 141%
$60,487/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 109%
$197,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 426%
$1,179/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 123%
261,078
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,605/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $19,260/year.

Median household income is $65,982/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Lubbock or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Cambridge?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,605/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Cambridge?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $65,982/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Cambridge details →

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