Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Lowell, MA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

New York is 39% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,779/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 10%
$79,713/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 4%
$751,700 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 47%
$1,837/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 9%
8,516,202
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $3,508/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Lowell — common questions

Is New York or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Lowell?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Lowell?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $3,508/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 York details → View Lowell details →

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