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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Dallas is 18% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,403/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 14%
$67,760/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 12%
$295,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 34%
$1,409/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 19%
1,299,553
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $8,445/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Lowell — common questions

Is Dallas or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Lowell?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Lowell?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,445/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 Dallas or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Lowell details →

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