Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Minneapolis is 14% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,329/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 21%
$80,269/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 5%
$345,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 14%
$1,513/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 11%
426,845
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Minneapolis, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $4,064/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Lowell — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Minneapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Lowell?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Lowell?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,064/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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