Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Washington is 44% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,900/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$106,287/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 28%
$724,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 45%
$2,103/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 20%
672,079
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $30,082/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Lowell — common questions

Is Washington or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Lowell?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Lowell?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,082/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Massachusetts?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Lowell details →

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