Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Lubbock is 43% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,137/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 51%
$60,487/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 63%
$197,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 145%
$1,179/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 36%
261,078
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $38,199/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Meridian — common questions

Is Lubbock or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Meridian?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Meridian?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $38,199/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Meridian details →

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