Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Texas runs roughly 41% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $67,043 in Texas — about 29% higher in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6.25%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
9.00%
None
+9.0 pp in Massachusetts
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,978
$1,170
+41% in Massachusetts
Median Home Value
$710,400
$264,900
+63% in Massachusetts
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$94,755
$67,043
+29% in Massachusetts
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
51.5°F
67.2°F
+15.7°F in Texas
Massachusetts vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Texas?
- Texas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,170 runs about 41% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts than in Texas?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Texas?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/8 cities we track in Massachusetts/Texas — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.