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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Lubbock is 76% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,137/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 163%
$60,487/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 187%
$197,900 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 672%
$1,179/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 159%
261,078
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,848/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $22,176/year.

Median household income is $113,183/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Lubbock or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,848/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $113,183/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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