Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Ann Arbor and Lowell have a similar cost of living.

$1,552/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 3%
$81,089/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 6%
$435,100 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 9%
$1,638/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 2%
121,179
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $4,884/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Lowell — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Lowell?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Lowell?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,884/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Massachusetts?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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 Ann Arbor details → View Lowell details →

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