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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Chula Vista is 50% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,122/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 24%
$105,173/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 28%
$697,400 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 43%
$2,342/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 29%
275,030
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

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $28,968/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Lowell — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Lowell?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Lowell?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $28,968/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Lowell details →

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