Cost of Living: Simi Valley, CA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Simi Valley

California
200
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Simi Valley is 68% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,513/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 36%
$117,703/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 35%
$753,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 48%
$2,576/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 35%
125,769
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Simi Valley, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $910/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $10,920/year.

Median household income is $41,498/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Simi Valley is $753,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Simi Valley vs Lowell — common questions

Is Simi Valley or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Simi Valley and Lowell?
Median rent in Simi Valley is $2,513/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $910/month.
Which city has higher income, Simi Valley or Lowell?
Median household income is $117,703 in Simi Valley and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $41,498/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,513/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 Simi Valley details → View Lowell details →

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