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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Garden Grove is 48% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,971/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 19%
$90,166/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 15%
$765,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 48%
$2,016/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 17%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $13,961/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Lowell — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Lowell?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,961/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Lowell

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury