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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Vallejo is 30% more expensive than Lowell.

$2,013/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 20%
$89,496/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 15%
$557,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 29%
$2,058/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 19%
124,637
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

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $13,291/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Lowell — common questions

Is Vallejo or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Lowell?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Lowell?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $13,291/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Lowell details →

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