Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Lubbock is 14% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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: South Carolina salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $35,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Columbia scores 99 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
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