Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lowell, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 27.8% cheaper than Lowell, MA. This translates to saving $2087 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Lowell, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lowell, MA, you'd need approximately $124,955.387 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lowell, MA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 36.6% cheaper than in Lowell, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,799/month in Lowell, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lowell, MA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Lowell, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2087 per month, or $25045 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lowell, MA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lowell, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Lowell, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $125.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 27.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,087

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lowell, MA

Population:114K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$461K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$558K

Lowell, MA

The Bay State

114K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 114K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lowell, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lowell, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,548/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,663less	36.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,753/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $469less	26.8%
⚡All Utilities	$701/mo	$541/mo	↓ $160less	22.8%
🏥Healthcare	$728/mo	$589/mo	↓ $139less	19.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$959/mo	↓ $96.90less	9.2%
📦Other	$1,748/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $6.71less	0.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.6%

Lowell, MA

$4,548

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,663

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 26.8%

Lowell, MA

$1,753

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$469

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.8%

Lowell, MA

$701

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$160

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.1%

Lowell, MA

$728

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$139

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.2%

Lowell, MA

$1,056

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$96.90

less

📦Other

↓ 0.4%

Lowell, MA

$1,748

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$6.71

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,242

To$1,585

↑ $343

1 Bed

From$1,368

To$1,685

↑ $317

2 Bed

From$1,799

To$1,995

↑ $196

3 Bed

From$2,157

To$2,525

↑ $368

Lowell, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,730/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,533

Monthly in Lowell, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,534

Difference

Home Values

Lowell

Austin

$461K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +41.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$435K - $507K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 21% more expensive than Lowell

Calculate payment - Lowell Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

Lowell, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Lowell, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.