Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Scottsdale is 39% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,910/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$107,372/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 29%
$709,900 ↑ 80%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 44%
$1,824/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 8%
242,169
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $31,167/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Lowell — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Lowell?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Lowell?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $31,167/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Massachusetts?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Lowell details →

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