Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

St. Paul is 24% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,248/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 28%
$73,055/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 4%
$280,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 41%
$1,390/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 20%
307,762
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $3,150/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lowell — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lowell?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lowell?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $3,150/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Lowell details →

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