Cost of living is defined as the amount of money an individual needs to afford the basic expenses in a particular location. These expenses can include the cost of housing, food, clothing, transportation, education, healthcare, and taxes.
The cost of these expenses varies from one city or location to another, making the cost of living index a helpful tool for comparing the affordability of living in particular locations like Lowell, MA, relative to your current city of residence.
Knowing the cost of living in Lowell, MA, can help you understand how your expected income will cover expenses and make financial adjustments if necessary.
Lowell, MA Cost of Living: An Overall Snapshot
| Index | Lowell | Massachusetts | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 128 | 133 | 100 |
| Goods & Services | 122 | 122 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 105 | 100 |
| Health care | 113 | 113 | 100 |
| Housing | 147 | 165 | 100 |
| Transportation | 118 | 118 | 100 |
| Utilities | 134 | 134 | 100 |
The table above provides the Lowell cost of living index, along with that of Massachusetts and the United States.
The cost-of-living index is based on a national average of 100. Given that the overall cost of living index in Lowell is at 128, this means that it living in this city is 28% more expensive than the national average.
Lowell’s housing expenses are the highest, at 47% higher than the national average, followed by utility prices at 34% then goods and services at 22%.
Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 18% higher than the national average. Healthcare is 13% higher than the national average. Lowell has grocery prices that are 5% higher than the national average.
Housing Costs in Lowell, MA
In June 2025, the Lowell housing market had 383 homes for sale, ranging from $74,900 to $3.2 million. The median listing home price was $485,000, and the median listing home price per square foot was $318. The median home sold price was $530,000.
Lowell, MA, was a seller’s market, with more people looking to buy than there were homes available. On average, homes in Lowell, MA, sold after 26 days on the market. Around 1.16% of the properties in the area were sold above the asking price.
Some of the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Lowell, MA, are Highlands, Centralville, and Belvidere.
For renters, the average monthly rent in Lowell, MA, was $1,944 as of July 2025. This is 19% higher than the national average of $1,637.
When you rent an apartment in Lowell, you can expect to pay around $1,754 for a studio, $1,944 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $2,280 for a two-bedroom apartment. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $1,904.
The Acre, Pawtucketville, and Centralville are the most affordable neighborhoods in Lowell, MA, to rent an apartment.
Other Key Living Expenses in Lowell, MA
Utility Costs
Utility prices in Lowell, MA, are the second-highest basic expense next to housing. Utilities are 34% higher than the national average.
| Utilities in Lowell, MA | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85 sqm apartment | $188.57 |
| Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ data | $52.00 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | $67.50 |
Groceries and Food Prices
In Lowell, MA, going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food are relatively affordable. In fact, grocery prices are the lowest among the basic expenses, only 5% higher than the national average.
| Food and Beverage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $19.00 |
| Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant | $80.00 |
| Combo meal at a fast-food restaurant | $9.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught) | $6.00 |
| Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $7.50 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | $4.58 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle) | $1.99 |
| Water (0.33-liter bottle) | $1.69 |
| Grocery Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | $0.85 |
| Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) | $2.19 |
| Eggs (regular, 12) | $4.00 |
| Rice (white, 1kg) | $3.08 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | $10.74 |
| Beef round back leg red meat (1kg) | $21.30 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.77 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.19 |
| Oranges (1kg) | $5.81 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $5.87 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.63 |
| Onion (1kg) | $4.41 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.99 |
| Water (1.5-liter bottle) | $2.25 |
| Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $12.70 |
| Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle) | $1.73 |
| Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle) | $2.00 |
Transportation Costs
In Lowell, MA, transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 18% higher than the national average.
| Transportation in Lowell, MA | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local transport ticket | $1.82 |
| Monthly ticket for local transport | $55.10 |
| Taxi ride (8 km / 5 miles) | $17.40 |
| Gas/petroleum (1 liter / 0.26 gallon) | $0.83 |
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Lowell is 13% higher than the national average.
| Visit to a Medical Professional | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner | $157.94 |
| Dentist | $128.92 |
| Optometrist | $143.16 |
| Prescription Drug | $22.57 |
| Veterinarian | $89.10 |
Miscellaneous Expenses
In Lowell, goods and services are 22% higher than the national average.
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Gym membership (1 month) | $39.90 |
| Cinema ticket (1 person) | $14.30 |
| Haircut | $18.70 |
| Branded jeans | $52.30 |
| Branded sneakers | $66.00 |
| Daycare or preschool (1 month) | $1,388.00 |
Conclusion
The cost of living in Lowell, MA, may be high, but the abundance of riverside homes, unique and diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant art and food scene make this city a fantastic place to live.
Let’s explore your home options in Lowell, MA. Give me a call today at 781-531-8988 or email me at jeremy@jsmith.homes to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lowell, MA, an expensive place to live?
Yes, with an overall cost of living index of 128, Lowell, MA, is 28% more expensive than the national average.
What is the average rent in Lowell, MA?
The average monthly rent in Lowell, MA, was $1,944 as of July 2025. This is 19% higher than the national average of $1,637.
How much are utilities in Lowell, MA?
Utility prices in Lowell, MA, are the second-highest basic expense next to housing, 34% higher than the national average. The average cost of basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85 sqm apartment is $188.57.
How do Lowell's grocery prices compare to the national average?
In Lowell, MA, going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food are relatively affordable. Grocery prices in the city are 5% higher than the national average.
What is the median home price in Lowell, MA?
In June 2025, the median listing home price was $485,000, and the median listing home price per square foot was $318. The median home sold price was $530,000.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods for rent in Lowell?
The Acre, Pawtucketville, and Centralville are the most affordable neighborhoods in Lowell, MA, to rent an apartment.
