Cambridge, MA vs Lowell, MA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA is dramatic. Lowell is 73.1% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 207 while Lowell sits at 120, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $2,742/month compared to $1,603/month in Lowell — a 71% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lowell is more affordable at $395,100 median vs $1,040,500.

Median household income in Cambridge is $126,469 compared to $76,205 in Lowell (+66%). The higher salaries in Cambridge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 26% of their income on rent, more than the 25.2% in Lowell.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.1°F). Cambridge receives more rainfall at 43.6" per year compared to 40.9" in Lowell.