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

Gainesville

Florida
81
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Gainesville is 32% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,214/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 32%
$45,611/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 67%
$235,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 68%
$1,167/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 43%
143,611
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

31.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gainesville, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 81 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $30,594/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gainesville is $235,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gainesville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Gainesville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gainesville and Lowell?
Median rent in Gainesville is $1,214/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Gainesville or Lowell?
Median household income is $45,611 in Gainesville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,594/year higher in Lowell.
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 Gainesville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with median rent of $1,214/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 Gainesville details → View Lowell details →

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