Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Cary, NC (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Lubbock is 44% cheaper than Cary.

$1,137/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 43%
$60,487/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 114%
$197,900 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 165%
$1,179/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 48%
261,078
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $68,912/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Cary — common questions

Is Lubbock or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Cary?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Cary?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $68,912/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Cary details →

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