Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Anchorage is 5% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,453/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 10%
$98,152/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 22%
$375,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 5%
$1,698/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 2%
289,069
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $21,947/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Lowell — common questions

Is Anchorage or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Lowell?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Lowell?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $21,947/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Massachusetts?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Lowell

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury