Santa Ana, CA vs Lowell, MA: 163 vs 119

$1,975/mo ↑ 23%

Median Rent

$1,603/mo ↓ 19%

$88,354/yr ↑ 16%

Median Income

$76,205/yr ↓ 14%

$657,800 ↑ 66%

Home Value

$395,100 ↓ 40%

$1,965/mo ↑ 18%

Owner Costs

$1,672/mo ↓ 15%

311,639

Population

114,799

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $12,149/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Lowell — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Lowell cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Lowell?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $372/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Lowell?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,149/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Lowell?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Lowell

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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