Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Lubbock is 41% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,137/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 44%
$60,487/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 49%
$197,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 137%
$1,179/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 43%
261,078
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $29,551/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over South Carolina's 6.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Charleston — common questions

Is Lubbock or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Charleston?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Charleston?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,551/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and South Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Charleston details →

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