Massachusetts · Population 114,799 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Lowell
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Lowell is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 119 (where 100 equals the national median), Lowell residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,603/month while earning a median household income of $76,205/year.
The median home value in Lowell, MA is $395,100, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,672 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.2%, Lowell falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.
Massachusetts's top income tax rate of 9.0% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.25% sales tax rate and 1.15% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lowell.
Common questions about living costs in Lowell
Compare the cost of living in Lowell, MA with 299 other major U.S. cities