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

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Cambridge is 101% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,742/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 42%
$126,469/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 40%
$1,040,500 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 62%
$2,634/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 37%
117,794
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

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 239 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,139/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $13,668/year.

Median household income is $50,264/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cambridge is $1,040,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cambridge vs Lowell — common questions

Is Cambridge or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cambridge and Lowell?
Median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,139/month.
Which city has higher income, Cambridge or Lowell?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $50,264/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with median rent of $2,742/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 Cambridge details → View Lowell details →

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