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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Lubbock and Fayetteville have a similar cost of living.

$1,137/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 4%
$60,487/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 7%
$197,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 13%
$1,179/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 2%
261,078
Population
209,692

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,092/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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 Fayetteville — common questions

Is Lubbock or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $42/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $4,092/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Fayetteville details →

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