Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Eugene is 7% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,347/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 19%
$63,836/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$435,400 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 9%
$1,421/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 18%
177,520
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $12,369/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Lowell — common questions

Is Eugene or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Lowell?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,369/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Lowell details →

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