Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Lowell and Gresham have a similar cost of living.

$1,603/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 6%
$76,205/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 3%
$395,100 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 11%
$1,672/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 5%
114,799
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $2,597/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Gresham — common questions

Is Lowell or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Gresham?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Gresham?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $2,597/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oregon?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Gresham details →

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