Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Reno is 3% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,453/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 10%
$78,448/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 3%
$498,600 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 21%
$1,482/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 13%
268,959
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $2,243/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Lowell — common questions

Is Reno or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Lowell?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Lowell?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,243/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Massachusetts?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Lowell details →

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