Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Jersey City is 24% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,902/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$94,813/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 20%
$534,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 26%
$2,006/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 17%
289,691
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $18,608/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Lowell — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 Jersey City and Lowell?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Lowell?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $18,608/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Lowell details →

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