Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Riverside is 92% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,812/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 37%
$88,575/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 32%
$542,100 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 63%
$1,880/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 37%
316,241
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $28,088/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Riverside or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Lubbock?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Lubbock?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $28,088/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Lubbock details →

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