Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Newark is 33% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,330/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 15%
$48,416/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↑ 25%
$337,800 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 41%
$1,419/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 17%
307,188
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $12,071/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Newark or Lubbock 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 Newark and Lubbock?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lubbock?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $12,071/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Lubbock details →

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