Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Worcester is 13% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,415/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 13%
$67,544/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 13%
$339,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 16%
$1,521/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 10%
205,501
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $8,661/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Massachusetts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Lowell — common questions

Is Worcester or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lowell?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lowell?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,661/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Massachusetts?
Both cities are in Massachusetts and share the same state tax rates: 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Lowell details →

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