Cost of Living: High Point, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

High Point

North Carolina
73
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

High Point is 46% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,062/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 51%
$61,228/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 24%
$212,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 86%
$1,084/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 54%
115,263
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing High Point, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $14,977/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in High Point is $212,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

High Point vs Lowell — common questions

Is High Point or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between High Point and Lowell?
Median rent in High Point is $1,062/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, High Point or Lowell?
Median household income is $61,228 in High Point and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $14,977/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 High Point or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. High Point has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,062/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 High Point details → View Lowell details →