Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Lubbock is 6% more affordable than Knoxville. A $75,000 salary in Knoxville is equivalent to $70,739 in Lubbock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Lubbock sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $175,000 in Lubbock, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $950 in Lubbock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Knoxville scores 94 while Lubbock scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are higher than Lubbock (90).
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $49,834 in Lubbock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lubbock.
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