Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Portland is 16% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,596/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ≈ Same
$88,792/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 14%
$557,600 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 29%
$1,771/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 6%
642,715
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,587/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lowell — common questions

Is Portland or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lowell?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lowell?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,587/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Massachusetts?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Lowell details →

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