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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Lowell is 13% cheaper than Allen.

$1,603/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 17%
$76,205/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 69%
$395,100 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 9%
$1,672/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 25%
114,799
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $52,925/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Allen — common questions

Is Lowell or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Allen?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Allen?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $52,925/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Allen details →

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