Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Lubbock is 17% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,137/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 11%
$60,487/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 46%
$197,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 28%
$1,179/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 27%
261,078
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $27,829/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Elgin — common questions

Is Lubbock or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Elgin?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Elgin?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $27,829/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Elgin details →

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