Lowell, MA vs Worcester, MA

Worcester is moderately more affordable than Lowell, with a 12% lower cost of living index. Lowell scores 120 compared to 107 for Worcester, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lowell can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month compared to $1,415/month in Worcester — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Worcester is more affordable at $339,500 median vs $395,100.

Median household income in Lowell is $76,205 compared to $67,544 in Worcester (+12.8%). 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, more than the 25.1% in Worcester.