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

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Bakersfield is 13% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,371/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 17%
$77,397/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 2%
$347,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 14%
$1,540/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 9%
408,366
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Bakersfield, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $1,192/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Lowell — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bakersfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Lowell?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Lowell?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,192/year higher in Bakersfield.
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 Bakersfield or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Lowell details →

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