Median rent is 18% lower in Lubbock ($1,137/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $197,900 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $60,487 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 105.7 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Lubbock is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.2 in Lubbock vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Lubbock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Lubbock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Lubbock, TX
$64,721
You could earn $10,279 less (14% lower) and break even.
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
Chicago
Illinois
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 $1,380/mo in Chicago (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $197,900 in Lubbock — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Lubbock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Texas; Lubbock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Lubbock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Lubbock has cleaner air on average: 0.0 AQI (Good) compared to 21.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.2 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,137/mo median).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 0.0).
Is Chicago cheaper than Lubbock?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Lubbock?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,137/mo in Lubbock, TX. Lubbock, TX has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Lubbock?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $60,487 in Lubbock, TX. Chicago, IL 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 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Lubbock?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Lubbock to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $86,294 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