Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Arvada is 28% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,802/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 11%
$113,396/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 33%
$600,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 34%
$1,948/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 14%
122,835
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $37,191/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Lowell — common questions

Is Arvada or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Lowell?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Lowell?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $37,191/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Lowell details →

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