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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Santa Clarita is 66% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,486/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 36%
$119,926/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 36%
$721,000 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 45%
$2,649/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 37%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $883/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $10,596/year.

Median household income is $43,721/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Lowell — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Lowell?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $883/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Lowell?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $43,721/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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