Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Pittsburgh is 36% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,221/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 31%
$64,137/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$193,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 105%
$1,136/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 47%
303,620
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $12,068/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Lowell — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Lowell?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Lowell?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,068/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Pittsburgh or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Lowell details →

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