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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fullerton is 64% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,124/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 25%
$104,219/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 27%
$859,600 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 54%
$2,251/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 26%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $28,014/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fullerton or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Lowell?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Lowell?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $28,014/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Lowell

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury