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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Elk Grove is 41% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,180/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 26%
$122,229/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 38%
$603,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 35%
$2,227/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 25%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $46,024/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Lowell — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Lowell?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Lowell?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $46,024/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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