Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Durham is 12% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,412/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 14%
$79,234/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 4%
$355,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 11%
$1,434/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 17%
288,465
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lowell — common questions

Is Durham or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lowell?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lowell?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $3,029/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Lowell

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury