Santa Rosa, CA vs Lowell, MA: 172 vs 119

$2,084/mo ↑ 30%

Median Rent

$1,603/mo ↓ 23%

$97,410/yr ↑ 28%

Median Income

$76,205/yr ↓ 22%

$685,000 ↑ 73%

Home Value

$395,100 ↓ 42%

$2,130/mo ↑ 27%

Owner Costs

$1,672/mo ↓ 22%

177,216

Population

114,799

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $481/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $5,772/year.

Median household income is $21,205/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Lowell — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Lowell cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Lowell?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $481/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Lowell?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $21,205/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Lowell?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Santa Rosa

Lowell

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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