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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Sacramento is 76% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,694/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 33%
$83,753/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 28%
$484,600 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 59%
$1,752/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 33%
524,802
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $23,266/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Sacramento or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Lubbock?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lubbock?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $23,266/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lubbock details →

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