Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Lubbock is 30% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $52,754 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $345,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Denver scores 102 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
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