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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Columbus is 30% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,224/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 31%
$65,327/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 17%
$234,500 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 68%
$1,243/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 35%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $10,878/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Lowell — common questions

Is Columbus or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Lowell?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Lowell?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $10,878/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 Columbus or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Lowell details →

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