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

The Woodlands

Texas
139
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

The Woodlands is 17% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,792/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 11%
$141,353/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 46%
$479,400 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 18%
$2,005/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 17%
116,916
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

15.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing The Woodlands, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 139 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $189/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,268/year.

Median household income is $65,148/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in The Woodlands is $479,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Woodlands vs Lowell — common questions

Is The Woodlands or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between The Woodlands and Lowell?
Median rent in The Woodlands is $1,792/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $189/month.
Which city has higher income, The Woodlands or Lowell?
Median household income is $141,353 in The Woodlands and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $65,148/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 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 The Woodlands details → View Lowell details →

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