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Cost of Living in Lowell

Is it better to rent or buy in Lowell? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$85,887
$1,917/mo

Median in area: $1,917

$437,100

Median in area: $437,100

$87,420

If you Rent

$2,118 /mo
Base Rent$1,917
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income29.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,039

If you Buy

$2,791 /mo
P&I (6.885%)$2,299
Taxes & Ins$291
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income39.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,366

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Lowell?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Lowell. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,118, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,791 per month (a difference of $673).

How much do utilities cost in Lowell?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Lowell is approximately $201. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Lowell?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Lowell without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $84,720 per year.