Cost of Living: Lowell, MA vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Lowell is 43% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,603/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 26%
$76,205/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 32%
$395,100 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 53%
$1,672/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 24%
114,799
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $24,563/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Lowell or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Waterbury?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Waterbury?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $24,563/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Connecticut?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Waterbury details →