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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Irvine is 115% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,893/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 45%
$129,647/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 41%
$1,115,400 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 65%
$2,904/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 42%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,290/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $15,480/year.

Median household income is $53,442/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Lowell — common questions

Is Irvine or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Lowell?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,290/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Lowell?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $53,442/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Lowell details →

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