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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

McAllen is 45% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,017/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 58%
$60,165/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 27%
$173,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 127%
$996/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 68%
143,789
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $16,040/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Lowell — common questions

Is McAllen or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Lowell?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Lowell?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $16,040/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 McAllen or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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 McAllen details → View Lowell details →

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