Lowell, MA vs Waltham, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lowell is 27.1% cheaper than Waltham. With a cost index of 120 vs 164, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lowell to Waltham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month compared to $2,232/month in Waltham — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lowell is more affordable at $395,100 median vs $705,700.

Median household income in Lowell is $76,205 compared to $116,560 in Waltham (-34.6%). While Waltham 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, more than the 23% in Waltham.

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