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

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fort Lauderdale is 11% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,776/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 10%
$79,935/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 5%
$455,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 13%
$1,778/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 6%
183,032
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $3,730/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Lowell?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Lowell?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $3,730/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Lowell details →

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