Lubbock vs Chicago
Cost of Living (2026)

Lubbock is 37% less expensive than Chicago. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Illinois's 4.95%.

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At a glance

Lubbock, TX

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

Chicago, IL

COL index107
State income tax4.95%
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$330K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLubbock indexChicago indexDifference
Housing100 ✓139+39%
Groceries75 ✓101+26%
Transportation77 ✓102+25%
Healthcare76 ✓104+28%
Utilities79 ✓101+22%

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

Salary equivalency: Lubbock → Chicago

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

Salary in LubbockEquivalent in ChicagoDifference
$60,000$89,000+$29,000
$80,000$118,000+$38,000
$100,000$148,000+$48,000
$130,000$192,000+$62,000
$150,000$221,000+$71,000
$200,000$295,000+$95,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock, TX and Chicago, IL, Lubbock comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 78 versus 107 for Chicago — a difference of approximately 37%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock workers an immediate 4.95% take-home pay advantage over Chicago workers who pay Illinois's 4.95% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Lubbock is $175,000, compared to $330,000 in Chicago. Average 1-bedroom rent is $780/month in Lubbock versus $1,650/month in Chicago.

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