Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Lubbock is 14% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,137/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 9%
$60,487/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 16%
$197,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 14%
$1,179/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 14%
261,078
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $9,397/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Mobile — common questions

Is Lubbock or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Mobile?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Mobile?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $9,397/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Mobile

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale