Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Wilmington is 16% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,311/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 22%
$63,900/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$350,300 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 13%
$1,371/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 22%
118,578
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $12,305/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Lowell — common questions

Is Wilmington or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Lowell?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,305/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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 Wilmington details → View Lowell details →

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