Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Memphis is 9% cheaper than Lubbock.

$1,123/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 1%
$51,211/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 18%
$157,100 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 26%
$1,087/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 8%
629,063
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,276/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Memphis or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Lubbock?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Lubbock?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $9,276/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Memphis details → View Lubbock details →

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