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

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Berkeley is 111% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,127/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 25%
$108,558/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 30%
$1,351,100 ↑ 242%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 71%
$2,340/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 29%
120,223
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $32,353/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Lowell — common questions

Is Berkeley or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Lowell?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Lowell?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $32,353/year higher in Berkeley.
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 Berkeley or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/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 Berkeley details → View Lowell details →

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