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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

San Diego is 66% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,223/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 28%
$104,321/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 27%
$848,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 53%
$2,308/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 28%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $28,116/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Lowell — common questions

Is San Diego or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Lowell?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Lowell?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $28,116/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Lowell

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury