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

Lowell

Massachusetts

119

East Los Angeles

California

134

Lowell is 15% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,603/mo ↑ 12%

Median Rent

$1,431/mo ↓ 11%

$76,205/yr ↑ 11%

Median Income

$68,378/yr ↓ 10%

$395,100 ↓ 36%

Home Value

$613,600 ↑ 55%

$1,672/mo ↑ 15%

Owner Costs

$1,458/mo ↓ 13%

114,799

Population

114,617

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

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $7,827/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Lowell or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 134 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Lowell and East Los Angeles?

Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $172/month.

Which city has higher income, Lowell or East Los Angeles?

Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $7,827/year higher in Lowell.

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 East Los Angeles?

It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.