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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Brownsville is 55% cheaper than Lowell.

$906/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 77%
$48,675/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 57%
$122,400 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 223%
$830/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 101%
188,023
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $27,530/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Brownsville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Lowell?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Lowell?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $27,530/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 Brownsville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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 Brownsville details → View Lowell details →

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