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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Santa Clara is 158% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,985/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 46%
$173,670/yr ↑ 128%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 56%
$1,527,900 ↑ 287%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 74%
$3,051/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 45%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,382/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $16,584/year.

Median household income is $97,465/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Lowell — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Lowell?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,382/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Lowell?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $97,465/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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