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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Sunnyvale is 187% more expensive than Lowell.

$3,065/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 48%
$181,862/yr ↑ 139%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 58%
$1,816,600 ↑ 360%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 78%
$3,016/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 45%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,462/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $17,544/year.

Median household income is $105,657/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Lowell — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Lowell?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $1,462/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Lowell?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $105,657/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Lowell details →

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