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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Miami is 8% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,657/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
$59,390/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 28%
$475,200 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 17%
$1,666/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ≈ Same
446,663
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $16,815/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Lowell — common questions

Is Miami or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Lowell?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Lowell?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $16,815/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 Miami or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Lowell details →

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