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

Tallahassee

Florida
87
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Tallahassee is 27% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,238/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 29%
$55,931/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 36%
$276,000 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 43%
$1,237/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 35%
199,696
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tallahassee, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Tallahassee, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $20,274/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tallahassee is $276,000 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tallahassee vs Lowell — common questions

Is Tallahassee or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tallahassee is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tallahassee and Lowell?
Median rent in Tallahassee is $1,238/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Tallahassee or Lowell?
Median household income is $55,931 in Tallahassee and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $20,274/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 Tallahassee or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,238/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 Tallahassee details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tallahassee and Lowell

Tallahassee vs. Amarillo Tallahassee vs. Birmingham Tallahassee vs. Oxnard Tallahassee vs. Sunrise Manor Tallahassee vs. Augusta Tallahassee vs. Grand Prairie Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury