A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
0%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Lowell Indiana National
Cost of living9789100
Groceries9597100
Health care9897100
Housing10072100
Transportation9596100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lowell, IN

The cost of living in Lowell affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Lowell is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Lowell are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Lowell can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Lowell Affordable?

Is Lowell an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Lowell is 7.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 17.9% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Lowell has a median household income of $104,076, which is 28% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lowell?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Lowell, healthcare costs are 2.3% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Lowell shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lowell is 9% higher than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Lowell is 3% lower than the national average
  • Lowell housing is equal to the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Lowell

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Compare Lowell, IN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$102,986$8,582$2,403$3,090
      Renters$66,543$5,545$1,553$1,996
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Lowell, IN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Lowell have a median income of $102,986. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,403 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $66,543, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,553.

      Indiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Indiana 7% 7%

      Indiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Indiana 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wheeler, IN237963.8%
      Ford Heights, IL2,8018316.6%
      Shelby, IN3848515.5%
      Lake Village, IN7258514.7%
      Sauk Village, IL10,6698910.7%
      Lowell, IN10,146973.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Orange Lake, NY10,14712121.3%
      East Rockaway, NY10,14915150.7%
      Rifle, CO10,15411716.5%
      Fort Oglethorpe, GA10,1578910.9%
      Boiling Springs, SC10,161964.0%
      Lowell, IN10,146973.0%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.