Lubbock vs Denver
Cost of Living (2026)

Lubbock is 51% less expensive than Denver. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Colorado's 4.55%.

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

Denver, CO

COL index118
State income tax4.55%
Avg 1BR rent$1,800/mo
Median home price$545K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLubbock indexDenver indexDifference
Housing100 ✓154+54%
Groceries75 ✓112+37%
Transportation77 ✓112+35%
Healthcare76 ✓114+38%
Utilities79 ✓110+31%

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

Salary equivalency: Lubbock → Denver

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

Salary in LubbockEquivalent in DenverDifference
$60,000$97,000+$37,000
$80,000$129,000+$49,000
$100,000$162,000+$62,000
$130,000$210,000+$80,000
$150,000$243,000+$93,000
$200,000$323,000+$123,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock, TX and Denver, CO, Lubbock comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 78 versus 118 for Denver — a difference of approximately 51%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Lubbock workers an immediate 4.55% take-home pay advantage over Denver workers who pay Colorado's 4.55% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Lubbock is $175,000, compared to $545,000 in Denver. Average 1-bedroom rent is $780/month in Lubbock versus $1,800/month in Denver.

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