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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Tampa is 5% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,567/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 2%
$71,302/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 7%
$375,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 5%
$1,553/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 8%
393,389
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,903/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Lowell — common questions

Is Tampa or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Lowell?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Lowell?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $4,903/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 Tampa or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Lowell details →

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