Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Lubbock is 40% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,137/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 40%
$60,487/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 39%
$197,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 130%
$1,179/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 48%
261,078
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $23,370/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Lubbock or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Tacoma?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $23,370/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Washington?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Tacoma details →

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