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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Oakland is 64% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,917/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$97,369/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 22%
$924,700 ↑ 134%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 57%
$2,164/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 23%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $314/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,768/year.

Median household income is $21,164/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Lowell — common questions

Is Oakland or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Lowell?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $314/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Lowell?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $21,164/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Lowell

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury