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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Ventura

California
183

Lowell is 35% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,603/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 31%
$76,205/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 32%
$395,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 97%
$1,672/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 27%
114,799
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $24,202/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Ventura — common questions

Is Lowell or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Ventura?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Ventura?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $24,202/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Ventura details →

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