Lowell vs Provo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Lowell
Provo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 26.0%, with Provo being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Lowell has equivalent purchasing power to $59,542 in Provo.
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 $59,542 in Provo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Provo equals $94,471 in Lowell.
Living in Lowell vs Provo
Housing Costs
Lowell's housing index of 152 is higher Provo's 112, translating to median home prices of $429,000 vs $380,000. The $49,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,180 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,925/mo in Lowell compared to $1,300/mo in Provo, a monthly difference of $625.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in Lowell and 98 in Provo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Lowell vs $466/month in Provo. Provo offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 151 in Lowell and 87 in Provo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $604 in Lowell vs $348 in Provo. 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 97 in Provo. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 21-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 $51,048 in Provo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $60,840 and $49,085 respectively. Lowell residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,860/month to housing in Lowell vs $1,191/month in Provo. In Lowell, median rent of $1,925/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Provo, median rent of $1,300/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 64 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases