Lowell, MA vs Santa Maria, CA: 119 vs 137

$1,603/mo ↓ 13%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 15%

$76,205/yr ↓ 10%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 11%

$395,100 ↓ 17%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 21%

$1,672/mo ↓ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 7%

114,799

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $8,412/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lowell or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Lowell and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $239/month.

Which city has higher income, Lowell or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $8,412/year higher in Santa Maria.

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 Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Lowell

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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