Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Lubbock is 7% more affordable than Des Moines. A $75,000 salary in Des Moines is equivalent to $69,944 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $35,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
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