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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Lubbock is 66% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,137/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 95%
$60,487/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 72%
$197,900 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 428%
$1,179/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 98%
261,078
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,081/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $12,972/year.

Median household income is $43,291/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lubbock or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,081/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,291/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Pasadena details →

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