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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Plano is 11% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,792/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 11%
$108,649/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 30%
$440,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 10%
$1,829/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 9%
287,339
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $32,444/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Lowell — common questions

Is Plano or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Lowell?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Lowell?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $32,444/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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