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

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Aurora is 9% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,759/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 9%
$84,320/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 10%
$444,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 11%
$1,762/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 5%
390,201
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Lowell — common questions

Is Aurora or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Lowell?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Lowell?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Lowell details →

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