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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Palmdale is 9% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,736/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 8%
$81,151/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 6%
$435,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 9%
$1,831/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 9%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $4,946/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Lowell — common questions

Is Palmdale or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Lowell?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $133/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Lowell?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,946/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Lowell details →

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