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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Lakeland is 31% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,299/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 23%
$60,947/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 25%
$229,100 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 72%
$1,149/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 46%
117,030
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $15,258/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Lowell — common questions

Is Lakeland or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Lowell?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Lowell?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,258/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 Lakeland or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/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 Lakeland details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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