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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Tacoma is 6% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,597/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ≈ Same
$83,857/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 9%
$454,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 13%
$1,747/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 4%
220,482
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,652/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Lowell — common questions

Is Tacoma or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Lowell?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Lowell?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $7,652/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Lowell details →

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