City vs city
Lakeland, FL vs Lowell, MA
- Rent is 16% lower in Lakeland (median $1,395/mo vs $1,625/mo in Lowell).
- Homes cost 72% less in Lakeland ($249k vs $429k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $524 more a month after taxes and rent in Lakeland.
- Lakeland has no state income tax on wages; Lowell does.
- Schools rate higher in Lowell (4.5/10 vs 3.9/10).
- Lakeland has less violent crime (3.7 vs 5.1 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lakeland has milder winters (62°F vs 25°F average).
- Lakeland gets more sun (233 vs 190 sunny days a year).
| Lakeland | Lowell | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,395/mo | $1,625/mo |
| Median home value | $249k | $429k |
| Median household income | $64k | $79k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,738 | $3,214 |
| State income tax on wages | None | Yes |
| School rating | 3.9/10 | 4.5/10 |
| Violent crime | about the US rate | 1.4× the US rate |
| Summer average | 92°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 62°F | 25°F |
| Sunny days a year | 233 | 190 |
| Walk score | 52 | 39 |
| Population | 119,961 | 118,368 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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