Lubbock vs Houston
Cost of Living (2026)

Lubbock is 17% less expensive than Houston.

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

Houston, TX

COL index91
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$1,250/mo
Median home price$290K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryLubbock indexHouston indexDifference
Housing100 ✓118+18%
Groceries75 ✓87+12%
Transportation77 ✓88+11%
Healthcare76 ✓88+12%
Utilities79 ✓89+10%

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

Salary equivalency: Lubbock → Houston

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

Salary in LubbockEquivalent in HoustonDifference
$60,000$70,000+$10,000
$80,000$93,000+$13,000
$100,000$117,000+$17,000
$130,000$152,000+$22,000
$150,000$175,000+$25,000
$200,000$233,000+$33,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Lubbock, TX and Houston, TX, Lubbock comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 78 versus 91 for Houston — a difference of approximately 17%.

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 $290,000 in Houston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $780/month in Lubbock versus $1,250/month in Houston.

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