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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Long Beach is 42% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,803/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 11%
$83,969/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 9%
$762,200 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 48%
$1,890/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 12%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $7,764/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lowell — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lowell?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lowell?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $7,764/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Lowell details →

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