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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Hayward is 68% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,360/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 32%
$113,775/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 33%
$820,700 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 52%
$2,420/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 31%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $37,570/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Lowell — common questions

Is Hayward or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Lowell?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $757/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Lowell?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $37,570/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Lowell details →

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