Median rent is 4% lower in Lubbock ($1,182/mo vs $1,231/mo). Buying is cheaper in Lubbock, where the median home runs $212,400 versus $239,000. Households earn more in Temple ($68,204 vs $60,895 a year). Taken together, Lubbock is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.0 against 91.5 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Temple, TX.
Quick verdict
Lubbock is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 91.0 in Lubbock vs 91.5 in Temple (US average = 100)
City A
Lubbock, TX
City B
Temple, TX
How much would you need to earn in Temple, TX to maintain your standard of living from Lubbock, TX?
Equivalent salary in Temple, TX
$75,392
You'd need $392 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
Temple
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,182/mo in Lubbock and $1,231/mo in Temple. Median home values are within 11% of each other: $212,400 in Lubbock and $239,000 in Temple.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Lubbock
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Temple
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Lubbock (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Temple.
Pick Temple if you prioritize higher median household income ($68,204/yr).
Is Lubbock cheaper than Temple?
Lubbock is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.0 versus 91.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Lubbock.
How much is rent in Lubbock vs Temple?
Median rent is $1,182/mo in Lubbock, TX and $1,231/mo in Temple, TX. Lubbock, TX has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Lubbock or Temple?
Median household income is $60,895 in Lubbock, TX and $68,204 in Temple, TX. Temple, 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Lubbock or Temple?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Temple to match my Lubbock income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Lubbock, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,522 in Temple, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
