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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Stockton is 3% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,495/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 7%
$76,851/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$76,205/yr ≈ Same
$412,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 4%
$1,555/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $646/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Lowell — common questions

Is Stockton or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Lowell?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Lowell?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $646/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Lowell details →

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