Lubbock vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Lubbock is 108% less expensive than Boston. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Massachusetts's 5%.

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At a glance

Lubbock, TX

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

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLubbock indexBoston indexDifference
Housing100 ✓214+114%
Groceries75 ✓152+77%
Transportation77 ✓151+74%
Healthcare76 ✓156+80%
Utilities79 ✓144+65%

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

Salary equivalency: Lubbock → Boston

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

Salary in LubbockEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$134,000+$74,000
$80,000$179,000+$99,000
$100,000$224,000+$124,000
$130,000$291,000+$161,000
$150,000$335,000+$185,000
$200,000$447,000+$247,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock, TX and Boston, MA, Lubbock comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 78 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 108%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock workers an immediate 5% take-home pay advantage over Boston workers who pay Massachusetts's 5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Lubbock is $175,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $780/month in Lubbock versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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