Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Elizabeth is 6% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,463/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 10%
$63,874/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$393,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$395,100 ≈ Same
$1,543/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
135,887
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $12,331/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Lowell — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Lowell?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,331/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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