Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Indianapolis is 38% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,112/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 44%
$62,995/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 21%
$207,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 91%
$1,124/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 49%
882,043
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $13,210/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Lowell — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Lowell?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Lowell?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,210/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Lowell details →

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