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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fontana is 23% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,733/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 8%
$98,187/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 22%
$558,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 29%
$1,990/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 16%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $21,982/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fontana or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Lowell?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Lowell?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $21,982/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Lowell details →

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