Sitting on the high, flat expanse of the Llano Estacado in West Texas, Lubbock has built a reputation as one of the more affordable cities in the state. Known as the "Hub City," Lubbock serves as a cultural and economic center for the South Plains region. Rental options span classic bungalows near Texas Tech University (TTU), apartment communities closer to Downtown Lubbock, and quiet residential streets, making Lubbock one of the most renter-friendly cities in Texas.
Here are the five most affordable neighborhoods in Lubbock:
Stubbs-Stewart
- Average one-bedroom rent in Lubbock: $876/month
- Average one-bedroom rent in Stubbs-Stewart: $704/month
- Median Home List Price in Stubbs-Stewart: $159,950
Stubbs-Stewart is located on the southwest side of Lubbock and has some of the city's most budget-friendly rental options. The neighborhood has a walkable layout, and the housing stock features single-family homes and smaller apartment communities that offer more space at a lower price point than other neighborhoods.
Things to do in Stubbs-Stewart
Stubbs-Stewart residents have convenient access to the retail and dining options along the Southwest Lubbock corridor, including Milwaukee Avenue and the West End Center, and along 50th Street, where local restaurants and shops shine. The area's position in southwest Lubbock also puts residents within a reasonable drive of TTU and Jones AT&T Stadium.
Park access is a highlight in Stubbs-Stewart. Residents are not far from the Canyon Lakes Trail system, a network of paths that wind lakeside through Lubbock. The trails are popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists and offer a stretch of natural scenery in an otherwise flat, urban landscape.
Transportation
Stubbs-Stewart is a car-dependent neighborhood, like most areas in Lubbock. Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway are accessible from the neighborhood and connect residents to all parts of the city. Lubbock's public transportation system, Citibus, operates routes throughout the city, making it a reliable option for residents who prefer not to drive.
Wheelock & Monterey
- Average one-bedroom rent in Lubbock: $876/month
- Average one-bedroom rent in Wheelock & Monterey: $708/month
- Median Home List Price in Wheelock & Monterey: $159,000
Wheelock & Monterey sits between the busier corridors of Lubbock's south side, while offering a quiet, residential feel. With convenient access to shopping and dining and a housing mix consisting of established streets with single-family homes and low-rise rentals, Wheelock & Monterey has something to attract every renter.
Things to do in Wheelock & Monterey
South Lubbock’s dining and retail along 50th Street and Slide Road puts Wheelock & Monterey residents within a wide range of local restaurants and grocery stores. The northern edge of the city houses local favorites like Vizo’s African Bar & Restaurant, as well as authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese food.
Nearby Wheelock Park provides residents with a playground, tennis courts, and open fields. Maxey Park, located two miles to the north of the neighborhood, has a lake, playground, and baseball diamonds for residents to enjoy. Lubbock's Canyon Lakes Trail system is a reasonable drive from the area, as well as 250-acre Mackenzie Main City Park for those who like to hike.
Transportation
Most residents in Wheelock & Monterey get around by car or personal vehicle. Route 289, known locally as the Lubbock Loop, provides access to the entire city. Interstate 27 can take residents north to Amarillo or south towards U.S. Route 87, providing easy access across the Lone Star State.
Bowie
- Average one-bedroom rent in Lubbock: $876/month
- Average one-bedroom rent in Bowie: $784/month
- Median Home List Price in Bowie: $230,912
Bowie is located on the western side of Lubbock and has a more spread-out, residential feel. Renters looking for quiet streets, more square footage for their dollar, and a slower pace without sacrificing access to local restaurants and shops will find Bowie appealing.
Things to do in Bowie
Bowie is close to several of Lubbock’s major shopping corridors, including the West End Center featuring retail and dining. The neighborhood is also well-positioned for residents who work or study at Texas Tech University. Lubbock's Buddy Holly Center celebrates the legacy of the musician with exhibits, memorabilia, and live programming, and is only a short drive away.
Outdoor options are within reach for Bowie residents. Mahon Park features a playground, fishing pond, and open green spaces perfect for all kinds of outdoor recreation. About a mile away is Adventure Park, offering indoor and outdoor entertainment such as bumper boats, Go-Karts, mazes, and a nature trail.
Transportation
Bowie residents depend on personal vehicles to get around. The Marsha Sharp Freeway runs through Bowie and provides direct access to Downtown Lubbock and the rest of the city. Commuters utilize Loop 289 for a route around the city's perimeter and Frankford Avenue to travel throughout the city.
Heart of Lubbock
- Average one-bedroom rent in Lubbock: $876/month
- Average one-bedroom rent in Heart of Lubbock: $842/month
- Median Home List Price in Heart of Lubbock: $145,000
Similar to its name, Heart of Lubbock is located in the heart of the city. What makes this neighborhood stand out for budget-conscious renters is what you get for the price: a centrally located address with excellent walkability, and housing options ranging from Tudor cottages to newer apartment communities.
Things to do in Heart of Lubbock
Heart of Lubbock’s proximity to downtown and the Depot District means residents have easy access to dining and entertainment. Broadway's dining corridor and proximity to TTU mean there are consistent options for casual dining, local coffee shops, and campus events. The oldest restaurant in Lubbock, Orlando’s Italian, has been serving residents since 1965 and is located in this neighborhood.
Stumpy Hamilton Park is named after the longtime Lubbock Parks and Recreation Director, and offers residents seven acres of green space, trees, and playgrounds. The Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market is also nearby and draws local growers and food vendors during the warm months.
Transportation
Interstate 27 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway are both accessible from Heart of Lubbock and connect residents across the metro area. Heart of Lubbock is one of the most transit-accessible neighborhoods in the city, and the Citibus public transit service covers much of the area.
Parkway-Cherry Point
- Average one-bedroom rent in Lubbock: $876/month
- Average one-bedroom rent in Parkway-Cherry Point: $860/month
- Median Home List Price in Parkway-Cherry Point: $113,000
Parkway-Cherry Point sits in the northeastern part of Lubbock and promotes a quiet and residential feel, with a calmer pace than neighborhoods closer to Texas Tech or downtown. With housing options ranging from ranch-style homes to apartment communities, Parkway-Cherry Point is the perfect place for renters on a budget.
Things to do in Parkway-Cherry Point
Parkway-Cherry Point is close to Mackenzie Park, one of Lubbock's largest recreational destinations. The park is home to Prairie Dog Town, a beloved local landmark where prairie dogs roam, as well as hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and several picnic areas. Residents of Parkway-Cherry Point have easy access to this green space without venturing far from home.
There are limited shopping and dining destinations in Parkway-Cherry Point, but nearby Broadway corridor offers a mix of local businesses, casual restaurants, and neighborhood retail that fills daily needs without requiring a long trip across town. For larger plazas and big-box stores, residents venture out of their neighborhood and into nearby areas, like Downtown Lubbock.
Transportation
Parkway-Cherry Point residents rely on personal vehicles for most trips, much like the rest of Lubbock. The neighborhood has convenient access to Broadway and east Lubbock, which connects to Marsha Sharp Freeway, Loop 289, and MLK Jr. Drive for longer commutes.
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
Whether you're drawn to the quiet streets of Bowie, the convenience of Heart of Lubbock, or the outdoor access of Parkway-Cherry Point, Apartments.com makes it easy to compare rental options across all of Lubbock's neighborhoods in one place. Use the search filters to narrow listings by price, bedroom count, pet policy, and browse up-to-date listings, detailed neighborhood information, and photo galleries. Start your Lubbock rental search on Apartments.com today!
FAQs
Is Lubbock an affordable city for renters?
Yes. The cost of living in Lubbock is 6.8% lower than the national average, and the housing costs are 13.4% less than the national benchmark. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lubbock is $876/month, which is significantly lower than the Texas statewide average of $1,237/month.
What is the average rent in Lubbock?
The average rent in Lubbock for a one-bedroom apartment is $876/month. A studio apartment averages $678/month, a two-bedroom averages $1,021/month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages $1,293/month.
What is the cost of living in Lubbock?
Lubbock's cost of living is below the national averages across most categories. Housing is 13.4% lower than the national average, transportation is 13.9% less, groceries are 3.6% less, and healthcare is 2.1% less than the national average. According to our cost of living data, to live comfortably in Lubbock as a single adult with no dependents, you should aim for a salary of $62,000 before taxes.
