Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Toledo is 56% cheaper than Lowell.

$880/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 82%
$47,532/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 60%
$107,000 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 269%
$856/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 95%
268,461
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $28,673/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Lowell — common questions

Is Toledo or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Lowell?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Lowell?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $28,673/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Massachusetts?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Lowell details →

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