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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Lowell is 32% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,603/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 45%
$76,205/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 44%
$395,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 54%
$1,672/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 42%
114,799
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $727/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $8,724/year.

Median household income is $33,575/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Lowell or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Murrieta?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $727/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Murrieta?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $33,575/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lowell and Murrieta

Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett