Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Lowell is 95% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,603/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 41%
$76,205/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 23%
$395,100 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 62%
$1,672/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 40%
114,799
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $17,489/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Peoria — common questions

Is Lowell or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Peoria?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Peoria?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $17,489/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lowell and Peoria

Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo