Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Cary is 13% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,621/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 1%
$129,399/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 41%
$525,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 25%
$1,744/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 4%
176,686
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $53,194/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Lowell — common questions

Is Cary or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Lowell?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Lowell?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $53,194/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Lowell details →

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