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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

College Station is 24% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,168/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 37%
$51,776/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 47%
$326,500 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 21%
$1,251/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 34%
122,280
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $24,429/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Lowell — common questions

Is College Station or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Lowell?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Lowell?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $24,429/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 College Station or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Lowell details →

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