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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

San Bernardino is 8% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,433/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 12%
$63,988/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 19%
$384,900 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 3%
$1,478/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 13%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $12,217/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Lowell — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Lowell?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Lowell?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,217/year higher in Lowell.
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 San Bernardino or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Lowell details →

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