Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Lowell is 6% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 3%
$76,205/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 14%
$395,100 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 15%
$1,672/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 4%
114,799
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,774/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Sparks — common questions

Is Lowell or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Sparks?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Sparks?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $10,774/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Nevada?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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