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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Ontario is 28% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,916/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 16%
$82,806/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 8%
$568,000 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 30%
$1,967/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 15%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $6,601/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Lowell — common questions

Is Ontario or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Lowell?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Lowell?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $6,601/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Lowell

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury