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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Glendale is 80% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,095/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 23%
$84,262/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 10%
$1,043,900 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 62%
$2,212/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 24%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $8,057/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Lowell — common questions

Is Glendale or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Lowell?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Lowell?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $8,057/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Lowell details →

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