Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Cincinnati is 42% cheaper than Lowell.

$953/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 68%
$51,707/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 47%
$215,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 84%
$1,041/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 61%
309,595
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $24,498/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Lowell — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Lowell?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Lowell?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $24,498/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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.
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