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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Los Angeles is 57% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,879/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 15%
$80,366/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 5%
$879,500 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 55%
$2,055/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 19%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $276/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,312/year.

Median household income is $4,161/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Lowell — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lowell?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $276/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lowell?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,161/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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