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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Lowell is 134% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,603/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 67%
$76,205/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 83%
$395,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 193%
$1,672/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 68%
114,799
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,075/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $12,900/year.

Median household income is $63,121/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Lowell or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,075/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $63,121/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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