Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Newark is 16% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,330/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 21%
$48,416/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 57%
$337,800 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 17%
$1,419/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 18%
307,188
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $27,789/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lowell — common questions

Is Newark or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lowell?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lowell?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $27,789/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Lowell details →

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