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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Lubbock is 38% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,137/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 43%
$60,487/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 28%
$197,900 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 113%
$1,179/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 32%
261,078
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $17,156/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Tempe — common questions

Is Lubbock or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Tempe?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Tempe?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $17,156/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Tempe details →

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