Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Lubbock is 40% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,137/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 69%
$60,487/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 54%
$197,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 100%
$1,179/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 35%
261,078
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $32,884/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Surprise — common questions

Is Lubbock or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Surprise?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Surprise?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $32,884/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Surprise details →

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