Framingham, MA vs Lowell, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lowell is 20.4% cheaper than Framingham. With a cost index of 120 vs 144, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lowell to Framingham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Framingham is $1,853/month compared to $1,603/month in Lowell — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lowell is more affordable at $395,100 median vs $600,600.

Median household income in Framingham is $98,179 compared to $76,205 in Lowell (+28.8%). While Framingham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Framingham spend roughly 22.6% of their income on rent, less than the 25.2% in Lowell.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.5°F vs 50.1°F). Framingham receives more rainfall at 42.6" per year compared to 40.9" in Lowell.