Lowell, MA vs Oakland, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lowell
67.3
#1437 nationally
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Lowell leads in cost of living index (126 vs 155). Lowell leads in average commute (27.2 min vs 32.1 min). Oakland leads in median household income ($85,459 vs $73,008).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lowell, MA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 67.3 (#1437) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 114,296 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $492,877 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $73,008 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 27.2 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 14.6 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.5 | D+53.6 |
D+
67.3 Score
Lowell, MA
Mid-size Massachusetts city with community character
Median Home
$492,877
Population
114,296
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
67
Northeast
View Lowell, MA →
D-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →