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

Richardson

Texas
128
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Richardson is 8% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,825/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 12%
$96,257/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 21%
$405,600 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 3%
$1,796/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 7%
118,269
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richardson, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $222/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,664/year.

Median household income is $20,052/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richardson is $405,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richardson vs Lowell — common questions

Is Richardson or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richardson and Lowell?
Median rent in Richardson is $1,825/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $222/month.
Which city has higher income, Richardson or Lowell?
Median household income is $96,257 in Richardson and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $20,052/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Richardson has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,825/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 Richardson details → View Lowell details →

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