Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Kansas City is 45% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,073/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 49%
$59,183/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 29%
$147,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 169%
$1,054/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 59%
154,776
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $17,022/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Lowell — common questions

Is Kansas City or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lowell?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lowell?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,022/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Lowell details →

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