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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Lancaster is 4% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,696/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 5%
$76,083/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,205/yr ≈ Same
$409,100 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 3%
$1,746/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 4%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $122/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Lowell — common questions

Is Lancaster or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Lowell?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Lowell?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $122/year higher in Lowell.
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 Lancaster or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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