Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Atlanta is 3% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,617/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ≈ Same
$81,938/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 7%
$420,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 6%
$1,695/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 1%
499,287
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,733/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Lowell — common questions

Is Atlanta or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Lowell?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Lowell?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $5,733/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Massachusetts?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Lowell details →

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