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

Oxnard

California
159
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Oxnard is 34% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,962/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 18%
$93,372/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 18%
$617,800 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 36%
$1,976/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 15%
201,014
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oxnard, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 159 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $17,167/year higher in Oxnard. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oxnard is $617,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oxnard vs Lowell — common questions

Is Oxnard or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 159 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oxnard and Lowell?
Median rent in Oxnard is $1,962/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Oxnard or Lowell?
Median household income is $93,372 in Oxnard and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $17,167/year higher in Oxnard.
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 Oxnard or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Oxnard has a cost index of 159 with median rent of $1,962/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 Oxnard details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oxnard and Lowell

Oxnard vs. Augusta Oxnard vs. Amarillo Oxnard vs. McKinney Oxnard vs. Tallahassee Oxnard vs. Little Rock Oxnard vs. Birmingham Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury