Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Detroit is 55% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,034/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 55%
$39,575/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 93%
$76,800 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 414%
$868/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 93%
636,644
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $36,630/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Lowell — common questions

Is Detroit or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Lowell?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Lowell?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $36,630/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Massachusetts?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Lowell details →

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