Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Kent is 22% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,833/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 13%
$90,416/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 16%
$537,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 26%
$1,915/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 13%
135,015
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $14,211/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Lowell — common questions

Is Kent or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Lowell?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $14,211/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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