Things to know before moving from California to Lubbock, TX

Cost of living: California vs Lubbock, TX

California Lubbock
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,250
Average home value $771,057 $199,759
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $58,626
Unemployment rate 5% 6%
State income tax 13% 0%
  • Rent is about 33% less expensive in Lubbock than in California.
  • Home prices are about 74% lower in Lubbock than in California.
  • The average income is about 36% lower in Lubbock than in California.
  • Lubbock has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 9%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Lubbock than in California.

How life is different in Lubbock from California

Lubbock California
Population 263,930 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 92ºF 87ºF
Winter low 26ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 20" 22"
Annual snow 7" 7"
Crime index 50.39 28.43
  • The population of Lubbock is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Lubbock voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Lubbock is 92ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Lubbock reaches the temperature of 26ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 20 inches of annual rainfall in Lubbock vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Lubbock, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Lubbock has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 50.39 vs 28.43.

Things to do in Lubbock

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Lubbock.

Museums in Lubbocktoggle

  • The Buddy Holly Center
  • National Ranching Heritage Center
  • Science Spectrum Museum
  • Silent Wings Museum
  • American Wind Power Center
  • Museum of Texas Tech University
  • FiberMax Center for Discovery- Agriculture Heritage, Education, and Innovation
  • Lubbock Lake Landmark

Parks in Lubbocktoggle

  • Maxey Park
  • Alex & Verna Cooke Park
  • Mackenzie Park
  • Prairie Dog Town
  • Tech Terrace Park
  • Lubbock Garden & Arts Center
  • Canyon Run Dog Park
  • Mae Simmons Park
  • Madison Trails

Sports Teams in Lubbocktoggle

  • Texas Tech Red Raiders
  • Lubbock Renegades
  • Lubbock Matadors

Universities in Lubbocktoggle

  • Texas Tech University
  • Lubbock Christian University
  • South Plains College
  • Wayland Baptist University
  • Sunset International Bible Institute

Other considerations when moving to Lubbock, TX

  • Weather: Although in many parts of Texas hurricanes and extreme heat may affect your move, this is less of a concern in Lubbock. Local climate shouldn't play a big role in your move to Lubbock.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of California vs. Lubbock, TX

Comparing the pros of California vs. Lubbock, TX:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Lubbock side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Lubbock, TX
Ample economic opportunity Friendly people
Pleasant weather Easy transportation
Abundant recreational options Tranquil
High quality of life Low cost of living
Fresh and healthy foods Quality education

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Lubbock, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Lubbock.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Lubbock, TX
High cost of living Rough weather
Heavy tax burdens Lack of recreational options
Natural disasters No nightlife
Terrible traffic High crime rate
Strange laws Small town feel

FAQ

How long does a move from California to Lubbock take?

The time frame for a move from California to Lubbock, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Lubbock will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Lubbock from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Lubbock?

Because of the 1230-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Lubbock as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lubbock, TX?

With the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF, most people move to Lubbock from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Lubbock during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources