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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Lubbock is 78% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,137/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 170%
$60,487/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 201%
$197,900 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 818%
$1,179/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 156%
261,078
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,928/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $23,136/year.

Median household income is $121,375/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Lubbock or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,928/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $121,375/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lubbock and Sunnyvale

Lubbock vs. Fort Wayne Lubbock vs. St. Petersburg Lubbock vs. Toledo Lubbock vs. Laredo Lubbock vs. Reno Lubbock vs. Irving Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston