Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Yonkers is 12% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,730/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 7%
$81,816/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 7%
$478,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 17%
$1,759/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 5%
209,529
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $5,611/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Lowell — common questions

Is Yonkers or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Lowell?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Lowell?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $5,611/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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