Median rent is 39% lower in Lubbock ($1,137/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $197,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $60,487 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 113.3 — about 19% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Lubbock is 19% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.2 in Lubbock vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Lubbock, TX
How much would you need to earn in Lubbock, TX to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Lubbock, TX
$60,378
You could earn $14,622 less (19% 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
Los Angeles
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Lubbock — median rent of $1,137/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 39% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $197,900 in Lubbock — 77% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Lubbock a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Texas; Lubbock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Lubbock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Lubbock has cleaner air on average: 0.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.2 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/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 Los Angeles cheaper than Lubbock?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 19% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Lubbock?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,137/mo in Lubbock, TX. Lubbock, TX has the lower rent by about 39%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Lubbock?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $60,487 in Lubbock, TX. Los Angeles, CA 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 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Lubbock?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Lubbock to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $80,504 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