Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Lowell is 51% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,603/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 21%
$76,205/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 14%
$395,100 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 48%
$1,672/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 30%
114,799
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $11,013/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Lowell or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Dearborn?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Dearborn?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $11,013/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Dearborn details →

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