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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Moreno Valley is 21% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,036/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 21%
$87,477/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 13%
$461,400 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 14%
$1,980/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 16%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $11,272/year higher in Moreno Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Lowell — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Lowell?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Lowell?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $11,272/year higher in Moreno Valley.
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 Moreno Valley or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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