Lowell vs Medford

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Lowell has the same purchasing power as $60,687 in Medford.

Conversely, $75,000 in Medford equals $92,689 in Lowell.

Living in Lowell vs Medford

Housing Costs

Lowell's housing index of 152 is higher Medford's 139, translating to median home prices of $429,000 vs $406,000. The $23,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,500 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,925/mo in Lowell compared to $1,375/mo in Medford, a monthly difference of $550.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 104 in Lowell and 108 in Medford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Lowell vs $513/month in Medford. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 151 in Lowell and 97 in Medford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $604 in Lowell vs $388 in Medford. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 118 in Lowell and 100 in Medford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $79,700 in Lowell and $73,200 in Medford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $60,840 and $69,057 respectively. Medford residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,860/month to housing in Lowell vs $1,708/month in Medford. In Lowell, median rent of $1,925/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Medford, median rent of $1,375/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 54 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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