Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Salem, OR (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Lubbock is 29% cheaper than Salem.

$1,137/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 16%
$60,487/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 19%
$197,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 93%
$1,179/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 22%
261,078
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $11,413/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Salem — common questions

Is Lubbock or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Salem?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Salem?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,413/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Salem details →

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