Cost of Living: Brandon, FL vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Brandon

Florida
108
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Brandon is 9% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,691/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 5%
$77,068/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 1%
$293,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 34%
$1,546/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
116,365
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brandon, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $863/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brandon is $293,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brandon vs Lowell — common questions

Is Brandon or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brandon and Lowell?
Median rent in Brandon is $1,691/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Brandon or Lowell?
Median household income is $77,068 in Brandon and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $863/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Massachusetts?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Brandon or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Brandon has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,691/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 Brandon details → View Lowell details →

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