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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Lowell is 105% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,603/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 39%
$76,205/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 32%
$395,100 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 70%
$1,672/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 42%
114,799
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $24,035/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Lansing — common questions

Is Lowell or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Lansing?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Lansing?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $24,035/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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Lansing details →

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