Cost of Living: Hartford, CT vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Hartford

Connecticut
81
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Hartford is 32% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,221/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 31%
$45,300/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 68%
$217,200 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 82%
$1,279/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 31%
119,970
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

32.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hartford, CT and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $30,905/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hartford is $217,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hartford vs Lowell — common questions

Is Hartford or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hartford and Lowell?
Median rent in Hartford is $1,221/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Hartford or Lowell?
Median household income is $45,300 in Hartford and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,905/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Massachusetts?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Hartford or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Hartford has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,221/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 Hartford details → View Lowell details →

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