Boston, MA vs Lowell, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lowell has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | Lowell | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 108 | Lowell |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 113 ($1,122) | Lowell |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Lowell |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 102 ($418) | Lowell |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 107 ($203) | Lowell |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 107 ($147) | Lowell |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 131 ($63,590) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or Lowell, MA cheaper to live in?
Lowell, MA is cheaper overall by about 50 index points (Boston, MA: 158, Lowell, MA: 108; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs Lowell, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $37,800/year in Lowell, MA to cover basic living costs.