Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Seattle is 65% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,998/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 20%
$121,984/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 38%
$912,100 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 57%
$2,220/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 25%
741,440
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $45,779/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Lowell — common questions

Is Seattle or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Lowell?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Lowell?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $45,779/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Massachusetts?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Lowell details →

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