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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Arlington is 20% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,389/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 15%
$73,519/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 4%
$276,400 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 43%
$1,420/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 18%
394,769
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $2,686/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Lowell — common questions

Is Arlington or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lowell?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lowell?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,686/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 Arlington or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Lowell

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury