Median rent is 1% lower in Memphis ($1,123/mo vs $1,137/mo). Buying is cheaper in Memphis, where the median home runs $157,100 versus $197,900. Households earn more in Lubbock ($60,487 vs $51,211 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.2 against 91.8 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Lubbock, TX.
Quick verdict
Lubbock is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.2 in Lubbock vs 91.8 in Memphis (US average = 100)
City A
Lubbock, TX
City B
Memphis, TN
How much would you need to earn in Memphis, TN to maintain your standard of living from Lubbock, TX?
Equivalent salary in Memphis, TN
$75,488
You'd need $488 more (1% 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
Lubbock
Texas
Memphis
Tennessee
👥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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,137/mo in Lubbock and $1,123/mo in Memphis. Home buyers face a steeper market in Lubbock: the median home is $197,900 versus $157,100 in Memphis — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax — a notable advantage for workers in both cities. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.00% in Tennessee; Lubbock has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Lubbock
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Memphis
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
Lubbock has cleaner air on average: 0.0 AQI (Good) compared to 23.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize higher median household income ($60,487/yr).
Pick Lubbock if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 0.0).
Is Lubbock cheaper than Memphis?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.2 versus 91.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Lubbock vs Memphis?
Median rent is $1,137/mo in Lubbock, TX and $1,123/mo in Memphis, TN. Memphis, TN has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Lubbock or Memphis?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock, TX and $51,211 in Memphis, TN. Lubbock, TX 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 23.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Lubbock or Memphis?
Both Texas and Tennessee have no state income tax.
What salary do I need in Memphis to match my Lubbock income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Lubbock, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,651 in Memphis, TN (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