Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Abilene is 40% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,106/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 45%
$62,720/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 22%
$178,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 121%
$1,114/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 50%
127,130
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $13,485/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Lowell — common questions

Is Abilene or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Lowell?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Lowell?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,485/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Lowell details →

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