Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Provo, UT (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Lowell is 17% more expensive than Provo.

$1,603/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 28%
$76,205/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 18%
$395,100 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 11%
$1,672/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 27%
114,799
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.1%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $13,405/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Provo — common questions

Is Lowell or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Provo?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Provo?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $13,405/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Utah?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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