Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Philadelphia is 13% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,323/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 14%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,487/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 15%
$1,233/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 4%
1,582,432
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $211/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lubbock?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lubbock?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $211/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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