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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Austin is 13% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,655/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
$91,461/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 17%
$512,700 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 23%
$1,747/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 4%
967,862
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $15,256/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lowell — common questions

Is Austin or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lowell?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lowell?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,256/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Lowell details →

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