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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Cleveland is 57% cheaper than Lowell.

$894/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 79%
$39,187/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 94%
$94,100 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 320%
$866/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 93%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $709/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $8,508/year.

Median household income is $37,018/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Lowell — common questions

Is Cleveland or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Lowell?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $709/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Lowell?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $37,018/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 Cleveland or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Lowell details →

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