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

Pomona

California
143
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Pomona is 20% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,738/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 8%
$78,869/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 3%
$569,600 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 31%
$1,758/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 5%
148,391
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

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pomona, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 143 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $135/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,620/year.

Median household income is $2,664/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pomona is $569,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pomona vs Lowell — common questions

Is Pomona or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pomona and Lowell?
Median rent in Pomona is $1,738/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $135/month.
Which city has higher income, Pomona or Lowell?
Median household income is $78,869 in Pomona and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $2,664/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Pomona has a cost index of 143 with median rent of $1,738/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 Pomona details → View Lowell details →

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