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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Carrollton is 3% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,674/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 4%
$99,115/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 23%
$353,600 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 12%
$1,689/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 1%
132,741
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $22,910/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Lowell — common questions

Is Carrollton or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Lowell?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Lowell?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,910/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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