Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Anaheim is 63% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,082/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 23%
$90,583/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 16%
$771,700 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 49%
$2,165/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 23%
344,553
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $14,378/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Lowell — common questions

Is Anaheim or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Lowell?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $14,378/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Lowell details →