Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Alexandria is 45% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,031/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 21%
$113,638/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 33%
$696,800 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 43%
$2,173/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 23%
156,788
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $37,433/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Lowell — common questions

Is Alexandria or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Lowell?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Lowell?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $37,433/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Lowell details →

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