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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Lubbock is 6% cheaper than Columbia.

$1,137/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 2%
$60,487/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 8%
$197,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 23%
$1,179/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ≈ Same
261,078
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,834/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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 Columbia — common questions

Is Lubbock or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Columbia?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Columbia?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $4,834/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Columbia details →

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