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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Lowell is 43% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,603/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 18%
$76,205/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 4%
$395,100 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 47%
$1,672/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 25%
114,799
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $3,175/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Odessa — common questions

Is Lowell or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Odessa?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Odessa?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $3,175/year higher in Lowell.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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