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El Paso vs Lubbock: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

El Paso is 4% more expensive than Lubbock. El Paso is 11% safer. El Paso population: 683,012. Lubbock population: 273,071.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingLubbock
SafetyEl Paso
HousingLubbock

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: El Paso vs Lubbock

Lubbock is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 88 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 3 index points.

CategoryEl PasoLubbock
Overall Index8885
Housing$1,460/moIndex: 82$1,388/moIndex: 78
Groceries$390/moIndex: 95$385/moIndex: 94
Transportation$343/moIndex: 98$343/moIndex: 98
Healthcare$304/moIndex: 95$304/moIndex: 95
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: El Paso vs Lubbock

El Paso is 11% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs Lubbock's 26. El Paso earns a C+ safety grade compared to Lubbock's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

El Paso

Texas

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.2/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Lubbock

Texas

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate26/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricEl PasoLubbock
Overall Crime Rate23.2/1K26/1K
Violent Crime Rate440.3362.1
Property Crime Rate1883.32233.9
Murder Rate8.56.8
Assault Rate276.6316.8
Robbery Rate57.584.8
Burglary Rate299.3377.2
Theft Rate1393.61757.8
Vehicle Theft Rate173.6458.1

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In El Paso, you have a 1 in 43 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 38 in Lubbock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is El Paso cheaper than Lubbock?
Lubbock is 4% more affordable than El Paso, with a cost of living index of 85 vs 88 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $1,460/mo in El Paso vs $1,388/mo in Lubbock.
Is El Paso safer than Lubbock?
El Paso is 11% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs Lubbock's 26. El Paso earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to El Paso or Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso is safer (C+ grade). Lubbock is more affordable (index 85 vs 88). El Paso has a population of 683,012 and Lubbock has 273,071. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is El Paso compared to Lubbock?
El Paso has a population of 683,012 and Lubbock has 273,071. El Paso is 150% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in El Paso or Lubbock?
Housing is cheaper in Lubbock. Estimated monthly housing costs: El Paso $1,460/mo vs Lubbock $1,388/mo. That's based on a housing index of 82 vs 78 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
El Paso Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Lubbock Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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