Median rent is 16% lower in Lubbock ($1,137/mo vs $1,359/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $197,900 versus $456,000. Households earn more in Boise City ($81,308 vs $60,487 a year). Taken together, Boise City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.1 against 91.2 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Boise City, ID.
City A
Boise City, ID
City B
Lubbock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Lubbock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Boise City, ID?
Equivalent salary in Lubbock, TX
$75,132
You'd need $132 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Boise City
Idaho
Lubbock
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Lubbock at $1,137/mo compared to $1,359/mo in Boise City (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boise City: the median home is $456,000 versus $197,900 in Lubbock — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Idaho tops out at 5.80% — giving Lubbock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Idaho and 6.25% in Texas; Boise City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Boise City
Income tax: 5.80%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Lubbock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Lubbock has cleaner air on average: 0.0 AQI (Good) compared to 24.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Boise City if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,308/yr).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,137/mo median).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 0.0).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Boise City cheaper than Lubbock?
Boise City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.1 versus 91.2 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Boise City.
How much is rent in Boise City vs Lubbock?
Median rent is $1,359/mo in Boise City, ID and $1,137/mo in Lubbock, TX. Lubbock, TX has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Boise City or Lubbock?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise City, ID and $60,487 in Lubbock, TX. Boise City, ID has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Lubbock, TX has better air quality on average: 0.0 AQI versus 24.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Boise City or Lubbock?
Texas has no state income tax. Idaho has a top rate of 5.80%.
What salary do I need in Lubbock to match my Boise City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Boise City, ID is equivalent to roughly $100,176 in Lubbock, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology