Average Rent in Lowell, MA↑ Rents rising 12.4% YoY

Lowell, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,537/month to $2,972/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,709/month — 22% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $112,484/year, spending $1,709/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Lowell Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $2,242/month, Lowell ranks #5 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 99% of all US cities in our data.

The Lowell Rental Market

The Lowell, MA area has a population of about 4,917,661 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Lowell, MA have risen by $247/month (12.4%) over the past year, from $1,995 to $2,242. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Lowell, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $68,360. The local median household income of $112,484 exceeds that threshold by $44,124, making Lowell relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Lowell, MA is $488,813, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Lowell's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Downtown ($315,551 median home value), Back Central ($379,973 median home value), Acre ($391,415 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Lowell, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Lowell?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Lowell

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.