Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Salt Lake City and Lowell have a similar cost of living.

$1,343/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 19%
$74,925/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 2%
$495,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 20%
$1,394/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 20%
203,888
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $1,280/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Lowell — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Lowell?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Lowell?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,280/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Massachusetts?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Lowell details →

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