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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Torrance is 83% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,214/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 28%
$113,105/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 33%
$1,036,600 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 62%
$2,295/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 27%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $36,900/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Lowell — common questions

Is Torrance or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Lowell?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Lowell?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $36,900/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Torrance and Lowell

Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury