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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

San Jose is 113% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,617/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 39%
$141,565/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 46%
$1,187,800 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 67%
$2,775/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 40%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $65,360/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Lowell — common questions

Is San Jose or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Lowell?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Lowell?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $65,360/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Lowell details →

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