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

Orange

California
206
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Orange is 73% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,252/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 29%
$116,945/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 35%
$900,700 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 56%
$2,394/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 30%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $40,740/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Lowell — common questions

Is Orange or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Lowell?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Lowell?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $40,740/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Lowell

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury