Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Lubbock, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Tampa is 51% more expensive than Lubbock.

$1,567/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↓ 27%
$71,302/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,487/yr ↓ 15%
$375,300 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$197,900 ↓ 47%
$1,553/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↓ 24%
393,389
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $10,815/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Tampa or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Lubbock?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Lubbock?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $10,815/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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