Lowell, MA vs Springfield, MA

The cost of living difference between Lowell, MA and Springfield, MA is dramatic. Springfield is 38.5% cheaper than Lowell, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lowell has a cost index of 120 while Springfield sits at 86, 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 Lowell is $1,603/month compared to $1,114/month in Springfield — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Springfield is more affordable at $222,700 median vs $395,100.

Median household income in Lowell is $76,205 compared to $51,339 in Springfield (+48.4%). While Lowell is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lowell spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Springfield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.1°F vs 49.4°F). Springfield receives more rainfall at 45.2" per year compared to 40.9" in Lowell.