Lubbock vs Austin
Cost of Living (2026)

Lubbock is 41% less expensive than Austin.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Lubbock, TX

COL index78 ✓
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$780/mo ✓
Median home price$175K ✓
VS

Austin, TX

COL index110
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$520K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLubbock indexAustin indexDifference
Housing100 ✓144+44%
Groceries75 ✓104+29%
Transportation77 ✓105+28%
Healthcare76 ✓107+31%
Utilities79 ✓104+25%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Lubbock → Austin

What salary in Austin gives you the same purchasing power as your Lubbock salary?

Salary in LubbockEquivalent in AustinDifference
$60,000$85,000+$25,000
$80,000$113,000+$33,000
$100,000$141,000+$41,000
$130,000$183,000+$53,000
$150,000$212,000+$62,000
$200,000$282,000+$82,000

Lubbock vs Austin: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock, TX and Austin, TX, Lubbock comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 78 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 41%.

State income tax impact

Both Texas and Texas have no state income tax, so that factor is neutral in this comparison.

Housing costs

The median home price in Lubbock is $175,000, compared to $520,000 in Austin. Average 1-bedroom rent is $780/month in Lubbock versus $1,650/month in Austin.

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