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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lowell is 48% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,603/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 49%
$76,205/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 44%
$395,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 167%
$1,672/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 47%
114,799
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $33,868/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lowell or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,868/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Costa Mesa details →

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