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

Lowell

Massachusetts
119
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Lowell is 3% more expensive than Miami Gardens.

$1,603/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 7%
$76,205/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 20%
$395,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 15%
$1,672/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 2%
114,799
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lowell, MA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $15,226/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lowell is $395,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lowell vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Lowell or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lowell and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Lowell is $1,603/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Lowell or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $76,205 in Lowell and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $15,226/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lowell or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Lowell has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,603/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lowell details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

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