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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Vancouver is 3% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,632/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 2%
$78,156/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 2%
$440,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 10%
$1,607/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 4%
192,696
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,951/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Lowell — common questions

Is Vancouver or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Lowell?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Lowell?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,951/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Lowell details →

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