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

Richmond

California
161
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Richmond is 42% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,895/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 15%
$90,038/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 15%
$650,100 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 39%
$2,015/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 17%
115,396
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 161 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $13,833/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $650,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Lowell — common questions

Is Richmond or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Lowell?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,895/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,038 in Richmond and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,833/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 161 with median rent of $1,895/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 Richmond details → View Lowell details →