Imagine stepping into a roomy, sunlit Lubbock apartment and feeling your monthly costs line up on a spreadsheet—rent near $1,100, utilities and telecom about $160–$200, groceries around $660, and transport roughly $340. You’ll see how renting usually costs less upfront than buying, where median homes sit near $440k–$495k with higher mortgage payments. Keep going to compare budgets by household type and practical ways to trim expenses.

Housing: Rent, Home Prices, and Mortgage Costs

Housing in Lubbock stays markedly cheaper than many U.S. cities: average monthly rent runs about $1,121 (some sources put typical apartment rents between $854 and $1,037), while median home prices fall in roughly the $439,560–$494,540 range. You’ll find rent and home prices sit about 7–15% below national averages, so housing takes a smaller slice of many budgets.

With typical mortgage rates near 6.80%, mortgage payments become a substantial monthly obligation if you buy; factor higher payments than in the recent low-rate years. Budget guidance recommends keeping housing under 30% of pre-tax income — locally that implies about $46,680 annual earnings for a single adult to cover common costs.

Practical comparisons show homeowner monthly expenses estimated near $7,843 versus renter expenses near $3,890; use those as upper-bound scenarios when planning. Focus on total monthly outflow: rent, projected mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance will determine affordability for your situation. Additionally, building a home can often be more expensive than buying an existing home due to various costs involved.

Monthly Utilities and Telecom Expenses

When you budget for living in Lubbock, factor monthly utilities and telecom into your baseline costs — energy typically runs $161–$189 per month and phone/telecom about $178–$203, so expect roughly $340–$390 just for those two categories.

Budget for Lubbock utilities: energy ~$161–$189 and phone ~$178–$203 — roughly $340–$390 monthly.

You’ll find the average cost of utilities in Lubbock is generally 8–9% below the national average, with energy bills about 9–17% lower depending on source.

Renters typically see total monthly utilities (energy, water, garbage, internet, phone) around $346, while homeowners average about $765 because of larger homes and additional services.

Phone and telecom costs hover at or just above the U.S. mean, so shop plans if you want savings.

Use these figures to set realistic monthly utilities targets: $160–$200 for energy and $175–$203 for phone and telecom, then add local water, trash, and internet estimates to finalize your personal budget. Regular maintenance, like preventative measures, can help reduce unexpected utility costs in the long run.

Grocery Prices and Weekly Food Budget

Typically, you’ll find groceries in Lubbock are a bit cheaper than the U.S. average—about 3–4% lower—so plan for items like a gallon of milk around $4.64, a dozen eggs $3.05–$4.14, and a loaf of bread about $3.89–$3.90.

You’ll also see ground beef at roughly $6.97–$7.10 per pound and steak near $14.86–$14.92, which helps if you build protein-focused meals.

Staples like potatoes ($3.67), bananas ($0.73/lb) and coffee ($4.97–$5.14) keep ingredient lists simple and affordable.

For occasional convenience, pizza (~$10.07) or fried chicken (~$4.49) trim prep time and costs.

Use these prices to set an average cost of groceries: renters often budget about $668 monthly (~$154 weekly), while homeowners in family scenarios estimate $1,326 monthly (~$306 weekly).

To hit your weekly budget, plan meals, buy staples in bulk, and mix home cooking with occasional lower-priced takeout—small shifts will keep your groceries below national norms without sacrificing variety. Additionally, being aware of seasonal demand can help you take advantage of sales and discounts on certain items.

Healthcare Costs and Typical Medical Fees

Although healthcare in Lubbock runs a bit cheaper than the national average, you should still budget carefully: routine doctor visits average $112–$134, dental appointments about $108–$119, and eye exams near $137.

Healthcare in Lubbock is slightly cheaper than the U.S. average, but budget for doctor, dental, and eye visit costs.

You’ll find overall healthcare costs roughly 7% below U.S. levels, but some items vary: optometrist exams can be slightly above national benchmarks while dental stays near parity.

Over‑the‑counter pain relievers typically cost $10–$11, and prescription drugs average $18–$20, both favorable compared with broader U.S. pricing.

For planning, use household estimates: renters might see healthcare expenses around $135 average monthly, while homeowners could average nearer $373/month depending on age, coverage, and chronic conditions.

Factor in insurance premiums, copays, and occasional specialist visits when you set a monthly buffer. Regular maintenance of your health can help minimize unexpected medical costs.

Track your own usage for a precise forecast — if you expect frequent appointments, adjust the estimate upward; if you’re generally healthy, the lower end will likely suffice.

Transportation: Fuel, Maintenance, and Commute

You’ll benefit from lower fuel costs in Lubbock—gas runs about $2.80–$2.95 per gallon, roughly 12% below the U.S. average—so expect monthly fuel spending to be below many cities.

Routine maintenance is also cheaper (for example, tire rotation/balance around $55–$56), but remember transport totals (fuel, maintenance, insurance, local travel) average about $341/month for renters and $719/month for homeowners.

Consider commute time and options: using limited public transit can cut costs, but most residents rely on personal vehicles so plan for insurance, depreciation, and parking in your budget. Additionally, investing in a portable jump starter can save you from costly towing fees and battery replacements during emergencies.

Fuel Prices and Impact

Because gasoline in Lubbock runs about $2.81–$2.95 per gallon — roughly 12% below the national average — your monthly commuting fuel bill will likely be noticeably lower than in many U.S. cities, freeing up money for insurance, repairs, or occasional rideshares.

With transportation overall about 12.3% cheaper than the U.S. average, lower Gasoline prices directly reduce your estimated transportation spend: renters average roughly $341/month, homeowners about $719/month. That gap reflects fuel, commuting distance and routine services like tire balance (~$55–$56) and rotations (~$56).

When you budget, track local gas trends to account for volatility and allocate savings toward insurance, emergency repairs, or alternate transport. Lower fuel costs give you measurable breathing room in a tight monthly budget.

Vehicle Maintenance Costs

Lower local gas prices and cheaper routine services directly cut what you’ll pay to keep a car running in Lubbock, but maintenance still deserves its own line in your budget.

You’ll pay about $2.81–$2.95 per gallon, roughly 12% below the national average, so monthly fuel costs tend to be lower—yet they scale with commute distance.

Typical services like tire rotation (~$55–$56) and oil changes are cheaper, and Goods & Services costs are ~6.3% below U.S. averages.

Use local averages to estimate monthly transportation: renters see about $341/month and homeowners about $719/month (both ~12% below national).

Don’t forget occasional larger items like tires, brakes, or a battery when totaling vehicle maintenance.

• A quick oil change and filter
• New tires and alignment
• Brake pads and minor repairs

Commuting Time and Options

While public transit options are limited in Lubbock, driving tends to be the practical choice for most commuters, and you’ll benefit from gas prices around $2.81–$2.95 per gallon—about 12% below the U.S. average—so fuel costs are generally lower.

Plan your transportation budget assuming monthly averages near $341 for renters and $719 for homeowners, which reflect fuel, maintenance, and longer commute distances.

Routine services like tire balance/rotation (~$55–$56) and oil changes are also roughly 12% cheaper than national rates, so include those periodic costs.

Overall, expect your vehicle-based commute expenses to run about 12.3% below the national average.

If you face longer commute times, factor proportional increases in gasoline and maintenance into your monthly projections.

Goods & Services: Clothing, Entertainment, and Personal Care

You’ll find goods and services in Lubbock run about 6.3% below the U.S. average, which lowers costs for clothing, entertainment, and personal care.

Expect specific price points like men’s shirts at $40.42, movie tickets averaging $10.12 (about 19% cheaper than the national $12.65), and haircuts around $24.55–$25.41.

Those lower everyday service costs — dry cleaning ~$15.74 and tire balance ~$56.36 — mean routine spending stretches further here. Additionally, considering the potential for long-term savings from investing in a home gym can further enhance your budget.

Clothing Price Examples

Dig into everyday clothing and personal-care costs in Lubbock and you’ll find prices that generally sit below national averages; a men’s shirt runs about $40.42 and women’s slacks about $49.05, consistent with Goods & Services being roughly 6.3% cheaper than the U.S. norm.

You’ll pay about $39.61 for boys’ jeans, so clothing for kids stays affordable. Personal care is economical too: haircuts cost roughly $24.55–$25.41, beauty salon services average $52.92, and dry cleaning is about $15.74 per item (around 9% below national). These averages help you plan realistic monthly budgets without surprises.

• A casual outfit: men’s shirt ($40.42) + boys’ jeans ($39.61)
• Salon visit: haircut ($25) + styling ($52.92)
• Dry cleaning: suit jacket (~$15.74)

Entertainment Costs Overview

Because Goods & Services in Lubbock run about 6.3% below the U.S. average, your everyday entertainment and personal-care expenses tend to stretch further here; a movie ticket is roughly $10.12 (about 19% cheaper than the national average), a to‑go latte averages $5.38, and routine services like yoga or fitness classes hover near $17.09.

You’ll find the Cost of casual outings and self-care is predictably lower: dress and kids’ clothing costs include men’s shirts (~$40.42), women’s slacks (~$49.05) and boys’ jeans (~$39.61). Dry cleaning runs about $15.74.

Salon and haircut prices are modest, with haircuts ~$24.55–$25.41 and beauty services near $52.92. Use these figures to model discretionary spending in your Living budget.

Personal Care Services

Often, your personal-care dollars will go further in Lubbock thanks to goods and services that run about 6.3% below the U.S. average; expect haircuts around $24.55–$25.41, salon services near $52.92, dry cleaning about $15.74, and common clothing items like men’s shirts (~$40.42) and women’s slacks (~$49.05), while a movie ticket averages roughly $10.12—about 19% cheaper than the national price—so plan monthly discretionary and grooming budgets accordingly.

You’ll find personal care services and entertainment costs consistently under the national median, which lowers your effective cost of living index. Factor these savings against monthly rent to see real disposable-income gains. Use predictable averages to set monthly budgets for grooming, clothing rotation, and outings.

• A quick $25 haircut and a $10 movie night
• Dry cleaning for essentials at ~$16
• Two new shirts/slacks per season

Household Budgets by Family Type and Recommended Salaries

When you break down budgets by household type, the numbers show how family size and housing choice drive recommended pre-tax salaries and monthly spending in Lubbock. If you’re single, a recommended salary is about $46,680 annually; annual housing costs run near $16,740 (≈$1,395/month).

Breaking down budgets shows how family size and housing choice drive recommended pre-tax salaries and monthly spending in Lubbock.

Renters typically face monthly expenses around $3,890, reflecting an overall cost of living about 18.4% below the U.S. average. Homeowners’ monthly expenses average roughly $7,843, with homeowner costs about 7.1% lower than the national norm.

For families, a married couple with children under 6 can expect monthly expenses near $6,880 (≈10.2% below U.S. average); with kids 6–17, that rises to about $7,972/month (≈9.5% below U.S. average).

Apartment rent ranges from an average $854/month to a median $1,320/month. Compare these figures to Lubbock’s median household income of about $60,487 to judge affordability and set realistic budget targets. Additionally, understanding operational expenses associated with group homes can provide insights into overall living costs in the area.

Moving to Lubbock: Budgeting Tips and Resources

If you’re planning a move to Lubbock, start by building a monthly budget around $3,890 if you’ll rent—this reflects typical renter expenses including average apartment rent of $854–$1,037.

Use the 30% rule: with that rent range aim for pre-tax income you need of about $2,850–$3,450/month (roughly $34,200–$41,400/year).

Add utilities (~$160–$203/month), groceries (~$668/month), and lower transportation costs thanks to cheaper gas and below-average transit expenses.

• Visualize signing a lease for a $950/month unit, paying $175 utilities, and budgeting $668 for groceries.
• Picture running a cost of living calculator to compare renting vs buying a $480k–$494k home at ~6.8% mortgage rates.
• Imagine checking new apartment availability, then adjusting savings and moving costs into your monthly plan.

Use local mortgage and cost of living calculator tools, track actual bills for two months, and adjust projections before committing. Additionally, consider budgeting for air conditioning maintenance to ensure your new home remains comfortable year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cost of Living in Lubbock, Texas per Month?

You’ll spend about $3,890 monthly as a renter to live comfortably in Lubbock, with rent around $854–$1,121, utilities roughly $346, groceries slightly below national average, and overall costs about 9–10% lower.

How Much Do You Need to Make to Live in Lubbock?

If you’re aiming for comfort, you’ll need about $46,680 pre-tax annually. For example, Maria earns $50K, covers rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and healthcare comfortably. You’ll want roughly $3,890/month to live well.

What Is the Average Cost of Living per Month in Texas?

The average cost of living per month in Texas is roughly $3,200–$4,500, depending on city and housing; you’ll need more in major metros and less in rural areas, with utilities, food, and rent driving differences.

Is Lubbock Cheap to Live?

Yes — you’ll find Lubbock cheaper than most U.S. cities: overall cost about 9.2% below average, affordable rents (~$854–$1,121), lower groceries, utilities, and healthcare, though phone bills can be slightly higher.

Conclusion

You’ll find Lubbock’s living costs lower than the U.S. average, so the theory that “you can live more affordably here” holds up: rents around $1,121, monthly renter budgets near $3,890, utilities and telecom $160–$203, groceries about $668, and transportation roughly $341 back the claim. Buying raises costs with median homes about $440k–$495k and mortgage rates near 6.8%, so compare renting vs buying carefully before you commit.