Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Boston is 48% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,093/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 23%
$94,755/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 44%
$2,176/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 23%
663,972
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lowell — common questions

Is Boston or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lowell?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lowell?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Lowell details →

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