Cost of Living: West Palm Beach, FL vs Lowell, MA (2026)

West Palm Beach

Florida
119
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

West Palm Beach and Lowell have a similar cost of living.

$1,709/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 6%
$69,261/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 10%
$369,800 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 7%
$1,667/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ≈ Same
119,508
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $6,944/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Palm Beach is $369,800 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

West Palm Beach vs Lowell — common questions

Is West Palm Beach or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Palm Beach and Lowell?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,709/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, West Palm Beach or Lowell?
Median household income is $69,261 in West Palm Beach and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $6,944/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 West Palm Beach or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,709/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 West Palm Beach details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

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