Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lubbock is 25% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,137/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 15%
$60,487/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 6%
$197,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 77%
$1,179/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 16%
261,078
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $3,413/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lubbock or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Wilmington?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,413/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lubbock details → View Wilmington details →

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