Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Hampton is 26% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,346/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 19%
$67,758/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 12%
$234,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 69%
$1,347/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 24%
137,334
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $8,447/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Lowell — common questions

Is Hampton or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Lowell?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Lowell?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,447/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Hampton or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Lowell details →

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