Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Lubbock is 14% more affordable than Arlington. A $75,000 salary in Arlington is equivalent to $64,844 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Arlington has a housing index of 86 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Arlington costs $260,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Arlington versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Arlington scores 96 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Arlington (100) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Arlington is $60,138 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
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