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

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Orlando is 3% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,650/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
$69,268/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 10%
$359,000 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 10%
$1,621/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 3%
311,732
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,937/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Lowell — common questions

Is Orlando or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Lowell?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Lowell?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $6,937/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 Orlando or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Lowell details →

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