Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Lubbock and Knoxville have a similar cost of living.

$1,137/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↓ 2%
$60,487/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 16%
$197,900 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 8%
$1,179/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↓ 9%
261,078
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,493/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Lubbock or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Knoxville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Knoxville?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Knoxville?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $9,493/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Knoxville details →

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