Lubbock, TX — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]
COL: 88.5 263,930

Lubbock, TX

Hub City with Texas Tech, Buddy Holly, and the flattest terrain you'll ever see.

Updated June 29, 2026
Cost of Living 88.5

Below Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 76.8

Affordable

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.4%

Job market health

Lubbock vs National Average

Overall COL
Lubbock: 88.5
National: 100
Housing
Lubbock: 76.8
National: 100

Taxes

  • State Income: None
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 3.4%
  • Population: 263,930

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 264/year
  • Summer High: 93°F
  • Winter Low: 26°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $195,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Overview

Lubbock is a city in TX with a population of 263,930. Hub City with Texas Tech, Buddy Holly, and the flattest terrain you’ll ever see.

Cost of Living

Lubbock’s cost of living index is 88.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryLubbockNational AverageDifference
Overall88.5100-11.5%
Housing76.8100-23.2%
Utilities98.5100-1.5%
Groceries96.8100-3.2%
Transportation104.2100+4.2%
Healthcare100.5100+0.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$195,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/month
Median Rent (2BR)$1,187/month
Price per Sq Ft$130
Year-over-Year Change-1.2%

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Lubbock

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,140/month.

Lubbock Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,045/month.

East Lubbock

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $855/month.

West Lubbock

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $902/month.

Remote Work Score

Lubbock scores 125/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Low (Good)
  • Climate: 264 sunny days/year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: High (Good)

Climate

Lubbock has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January46°F26°F2.5"
April78°F41°F2.8"
July93°F68°F1.5"
October73°F44°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (No state income tax)
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%
  • Property Tax: ~1.2% of assessed value

Economy

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.

FAQ

Is lubbock-tx a good place to live?

lubbock-tx offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.

What is the cost of living in lubbock-tx?

The cost of living in lubbock-tx varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in lubbock-tx?

Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in lubbock-tx to maintain your current standard of living.

Data Sources

  • Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
  • Housing data: Zillow Research
  • Demographics: US Census Bureau
  • Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • Taxes: Tax Foundation

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

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