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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

McKinney is 16% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,841/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 13%
$120,273/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 37%
$439,500 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 10%
$2,101/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 20%
202,314
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $44,068/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Lowell — common questions

Is McKinney or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Lowell?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Lowell?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $44,068/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Lowell details →

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