Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Modesto

California
120

Lubbock is 38% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 42%
$60,487/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 29%
$197,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 110%
$1,179/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 37%
261,078
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $17,412/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Modesto — common questions

Is Lubbock or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Modesto?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Modesto?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $17,412/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Modesto details →

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