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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Sacramento is 11% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,694/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 5%
$83,753/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 9%
$484,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 18%
$1,752/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 5%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $91/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,092/year.

Median household income is $7,548/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lowell — common questions

Is Sacramento or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Lowell?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $91/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lowell?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $7,548/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lowell details →

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