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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fremont is 134% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,905/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 45%
$176,350/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 57%
$1,289,400 ↑ 226%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 69%
$3,000/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 44%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,302/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $15,624/year.

Median household income is $100,145/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fremont or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Lowell?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,302/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Lowell?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $100,145/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Lowell

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury