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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Waco is 39% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,098/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 46%
$51,468/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 48%
$199,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 98%
$1,094/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 53%
141,925
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $24,737/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Lowell — common questions

Is Waco or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Lowell?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Lowell?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $24,737/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 Waco or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Lowell details →

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