Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

San Antonio is 9% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,258/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 10%
$62,917/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 4%
$219,700 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 10%
$1,235/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 5%
1,458,954
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $2,430/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Lubbock — common questions

Is San Antonio or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Lubbock?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Lubbock?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $2,430/year higher in San Antonio.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Lubbock details →

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