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

Concord

California
187
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Concord is 57% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,226/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 28%
$109,195/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 30%
$755,900 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 48%
$2,284/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 27%
124,260
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Concord, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $32,990/year higher in Concord. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Concord is $755,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Concord vs Lowell — common questions

Is Concord or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Concord and Lowell?
Median rent in Concord is $2,226/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Concord or Lowell?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $32,990/year higher in Concord.
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 Concord or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Concord has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $2,226/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 Concord details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Concord and Lowell

Concord vs. Round Rock Concord vs. Arvada Concord vs. Vallejo Concord vs. Clovis Concord vs. Meridian Concord vs. College Station Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury