Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Bellevue is 110% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,505/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 36%
$161,300/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 53%
$1,203,100 ↑ 205%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 67%
$2,586/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 35%
151,199
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $902/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $10,824/year.

Median household income is $85,095/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Lowell — common questions

Is Bellevue or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Lowell?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $902/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Lowell?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $85,095/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Lowell

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury