Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Downey, CA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Downey

California
169

Lubbock is 56% cheaper than Downey.

$1,137/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 66%
$60,487/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 44%
$197,900 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 268%
$1,179/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 69%
261,078
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $26,913/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Downey — common questions

Is Lubbock or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Downey?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Downey?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,913/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Downey details →

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