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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fairfield is 40% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,191/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 27%
$102,321/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 26%
$592,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 33%
$2,226/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 25%
119,985
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $26,116/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fairfield or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Lowell?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Lowell?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $26,116/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Lowell details →

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