Chicago, IL vs Lubbock, TX
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago is the more expensive housing market by roughly 37%; Chicago earns more at the median (19% higher), partly offsetting the cost difference. Whether that math works depends on what fraction of housing cost a relocating household plans to absorb. Lubbock also has no state income tax, while the other state tops out at 5.0% — a meaningful annual difference at higher income levels.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$197,900 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$207,080
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,137/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
50.8%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
14.5x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$60,487
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$34,629
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.8% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
19.0%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
17.5 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
77.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
0.7%
Work From Home %
18.3%
6.5%
State Income Tax
5.0%
None
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
8.2% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
20.8%
Median Age
35.7
30.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
74.9°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
18.3"
Annual Snowfall
—
7"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Lubbock, TX 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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