Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Louisville is 38% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,069/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 50%
$64,731/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 18%
$221,500 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 78%
$1,118/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 50%
627,210
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $11,474/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Louisville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Lowell?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Lowell?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $11,474/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Massachusetts?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Louisville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Lowell

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury