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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Oceanside is 50% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,207/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 27%
$93,724/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 19%
$702,000 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 44%
$2,232/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 25%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $17,519/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Lowell — common questions

Is Oceanside or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Lowell?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Lowell?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,519/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Lowell

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury