Cost of Living in Lubbock, TX

Population 261,078 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

74
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lubbock lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $198,000 — 35% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Texas.

Cost Overview

Housing 65
Rent 87

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lubbock

The median home value in Lubbock is $197,900 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,137/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,487/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 74.9°F and lows of 47.8°F, with about 7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lubbock has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$197,900
35% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$207,080
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,137/mo
13% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,387/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 50.8%
Renter-occupied 49.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,137
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,751/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
17.5 min
35% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.3%
Carpooled
11.8%
Public transit
0.7%
Walked
2.0%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
6.5%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$60,487
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$34,629
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
0% below avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
Labor Force Participation
66.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 20.8%
Graduate degree 14.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.4
Male median age 29.5
Female median age 31.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
74.9°F
Avg Low
47.8°F
Annual Precip
18.3"
Annual Snowfall
7"
20° 40° 60° 80° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 556068768492939285766455
Low °F 273138465766696860483628
Precip" 0.650.651.101.332.692.581.961.742.551.530.800.75
Snow" 1.61.40.40.10.00.00.00.00.00.11.02.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 25 — Good
88.7%
Good air days/yr
161
Max AQI recorded
364
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lubbock, TX?

Lubbock has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lubbock, TX?

The median gross rent in Lubbock is $1,137 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lubbock?

The median home value in Lubbock is $197,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lubbock?

The median household income in Lubbock is $60,487 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lubbock, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lubbock is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Lubbock, TX affordable?

Yes, Lubbock is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Lubbock?

Lubbock has average high temperatures of 74.9°F and average lows of 47.8°F. Annual precipitation is 18.3". Average annual snowfall is 7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.