Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Lowell, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 32.0% cheaper than Lowell, MA. This translates to saving $2402 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Lowell, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lowell, MA, you'd need approximately $121,171.578 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lowell, MA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 45.7% cheaper than in Lowell, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $1,799/month in Lowell, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lowell, MA to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Lowell, MA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $2402 per month, or $28828 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lowell, MA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lowell, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Lowell, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.4K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $121.2K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 32.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,402

Savings

Annual Impact

$28.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lowell, MA

Population:114K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$461K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:68

Median Home:$399K

Lowell, MA

The Bay State

114K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 114K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lowell, MA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Lowell, MA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,548/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $2,079less	45.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,753/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $551less	31.4%
⚡All Utilities	$701/mo	$519/mo	↓ $181less	25.9%
🏥Healthcare	$728/mo	$638/mo	↓ $89.47less	12.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,056/mo	$989/mo	↓ $66.92less	6.3%
📦Other	$1,748/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $40.19less	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 45.7%

Lowell, MA

$4,548

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$2,079

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.4%

Lowell, MA

$1,753

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$551

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 25.9%

Lowell, MA

$701

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$181

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.3%

Lowell, MA

$728

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$89.47

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.3%

Lowell, MA

$1,056

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$66.92

less

📦Other

↓ 2.3%

Lowell, MA

$1,748

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$40.19

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,242

To$1,630

↑ $388

1 Bed

From$1,368

To$1,710

↑ $342

2 Bed

From$1,799

To$1,870

↑ $71.00

3 Bed

From$2,157

To$2,300

↑ $143

Lowell, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650–$1,730/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,533

Monthly in Lowell, MA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$3,008

Difference

Home Values

Lowell

Charlotte

$461K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +41.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$435K - $507K

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 13% less expensive than Lowell

Calculate payment - Lowell Calculate payment - Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $375

Per year

Monthly Difference

$31.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Lowell, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lowell, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.