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

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Jacksonville is 23% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,375/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 17%
$66,981/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 14%
$266,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 48%
$1,324/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 26%
961,739
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $9,224/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Lowell?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Lowell?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $9,224/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 Jacksonville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Lowell details →

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