Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Lubbock is 36% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,137/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 18%
$60,487/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 24%
$197,900 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 150%
$1,179/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 18%
261,078
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $14,438/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Lubbock or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $14,438/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Salt Lake City details →

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