Cost of Living in Lowell, NC
Population 3,711 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lowell is a smaller North Carolina community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $51,829 and housing costs ($152,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Lowell sits roughly 15 miles west of Charlotte. Median home values run roughly 57% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lowell
The median home value in Lowell is $152,200 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,044/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,829/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Lowell has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
Lowell has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 58 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 3.28 | 3.94 | 3.88 | 3.46 | 4.21 | 3.47 | 3.95 | 3.75 | 3.29 | 3.30 | 3.44 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lowell, NC?
Lowell has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lowell, NC?
The median gross rent in Lowell is $1,044 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lowell?
The median home value in Lowell is $152,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lowell?
The median household income in Lowell is $51,829 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lowell, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lowell is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Lowell, NC affordable?
Yes, Lowell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lowell?
Lowell has average high temperatures of 73.0°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lowell at a Glance
- Population
- 3,711
- Median Income
- $51,829
- Home Value
- $152,200
- Median Rent
- $1,044/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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