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

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

New Haven is 20% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,442/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 11%
$53,771/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 42%
$249,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 59%
$1,520/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 10%
132,893
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $22,434/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Lowell — common questions

Is New Haven or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Lowell?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Lowell?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $22,434/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Massachusetts?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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.
View New Haven details → View Lowell details →

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