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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Mesa is 43% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,478/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
$78,779/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 46%
$1,404/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 16%
507,478
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $18,292/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Mesa or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lubbock?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lubbock?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $18,292/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Lubbock details →

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