Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Lubbock is 5% more affordable than Birmingham. A $75,000 salary in Birmingham is equivalent to $71,552 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
Amazon affiliate links