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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Tucson is 36% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,079/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 49%
$54,546/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 40%
$242,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 63%
$1,076/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 55%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $21,659/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Lowell — common questions

Is Tucson or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Lowell?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Lowell?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $21,659/year higher in Lowell.
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 Tucson or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Lowell details →

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