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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Lowell, MA โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.4K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area
Overall Cost
โ†“ 22.9%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,719
Savings
Annual Impact
$20.6K
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

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:77
Median Home:$513K

Lowell, MA

The Bay State

114K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lowell, MA vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†“ 28.6%
Lowell, MA
$4,548
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,299
less
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†“ 16.6%
Lowell, MA
$1,753
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$292
less
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 25.9%
Lowell, MA
$701
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$181
less
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 13.1%
Lowell, MA
$728
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$95.67
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†“ 2.6%
Lowell, MA
$1,056
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$26.95
less
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 1.5%
Lowell, MA
$1,748
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$26.77
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Lowell, MA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,242
To$1,720
โ†‘ $478
1 Bed
From$1,368
To$1,840
โ†‘ $472
2 Bed
From$1,799
To$2,190
โ†‘ $391
3 Bed
From$2,157
To$2,870
โ†‘ $713
Lowell, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,650โ€“$1,730/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,868
Difference

Home Values

Lowell
Denver
$461K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +0.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +41.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$435K - $507K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 11% more expensive than Lowell

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $900
Per year
Monthly Difference
$75.00
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lowell, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%
Property Tax:1.2%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

Environment

Lowell
Denver
36 Good
Air Quality
55 Moderate
79.5%
Good Air Days
35.2%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒ…๐ŸŒ€
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
6 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
6 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Massachusetts and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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