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

Corona

California
173
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Corona is 45% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,136/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 25%
$106,438/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 28%
$656,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 40%
$2,280/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 27%
158,839
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

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Corona, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $30,233/year higher in Corona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Corona is $656,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Corona vs Lowell — common questions

Is Corona or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Corona and Lowell?
Median rent in Corona is $2,136/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Corona or Lowell?
Median household income is $106,438 in Corona and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,233/year higher in Corona.
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 Corona or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Corona has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,136/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 Corona details → View Lowell details →

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