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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Modesto and Lowell have a similar cost of living.

$1,609/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ≈ Same
$77,899/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 2%
$415,600 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 5%
$1,613/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 4%
218,614
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,694/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Lowell — common questions

Is Modesto or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lowell?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lowell?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $1,694/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Modesto details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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