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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Pasadena is 85% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,218/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 28%
$103,778/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 27%
$1,045,000 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 62%
$2,340/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 29%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $27,573/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Lowell — common questions

Is Pasadena or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Lowell?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Lowell?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $27,573/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Lowell details →

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