Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Denver is 24% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,770/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 9%
$91,681/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 17%
$586,700 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 33%
$1,839/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 9%
713,734
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $15,476/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lowell — common questions

Is Denver or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lowell?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lowell?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,476/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Massachusetts?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lowell details →

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