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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Lubbock is 56% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,137/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 83%
$60,487/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 61%
$197,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 246%
$1,179/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 81%
261,078
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $947/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $11,364/year.

Median household income is $36,923/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa — common questions

Is Lubbock or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $947/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $36,923/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Santa Rosa details →

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