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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Garland is 19% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,525/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 5%
$74,717/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 2%
$248,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 59%
$1,445/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 16%
245,298
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Garland, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $1,488/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Lowell — common questions

Is Garland or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garland is cheaper to live in with an index of 96 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Lowell?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Lowell?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,488/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 Garland or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Lowell

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury