Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Lubbock is 23% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,137/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 9%
$60,487/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 23%
$197,900 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 39%
$1,179/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 14%
261,078
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Rochester — common questions

Is Lubbock or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Rochester?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Rochester?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $13,859/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New York?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Rochester

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral