Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Gilbert is 24% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,028/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 21%
$121,351/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 37%
$518,600 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 24%
$1,908/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 12%
271,118
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $45,146/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Lowell — common questions

Is Gilbert or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Lowell?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Lowell?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $45,146/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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