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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

San Francisco is 124% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,419/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 34%
$141,446/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 46%
$1,380,500 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 71%
$2,620/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 36%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $816/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $9,792/year.

Median household income is $65,241/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Lowell — common questions

Is San Francisco or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Lowell?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $816/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Lowell?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $65,241/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Lowell details →

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