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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Lubbock is 42% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,137/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 53%
$60,487/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 34%
$197,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 120%
$1,179/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 55%
261,078
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $20,664/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Lubbock or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Palmdale?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Palmdale?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $20,664/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Palmdale details →

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