Lowell vs Pembroke Pines
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Lowell
Pembroke Pines
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 18.0%, with Pembroke Pines being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Lowell has equivalent purchasing power to $63,550 in Pembroke Pines.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Lowell has the same purchasing power as $63,550 in Pembroke Pines.
Conversely, $75,000 in Pembroke Pines equals $88,514 in Lowell.
Living in Lowell vs Pembroke Pines
Housing Costs
Lowell's housing index of 152 is higher Pembroke Pines's 140, translating to median home prices of $429,000 vs $440,000. The $11,000 difference in home prices means roughly $720 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,925/mo in Lowell compared to $1,900/mo in Pembroke Pines, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in Lowell and 105 in Pembroke Pines. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Lowell vs $499/month in Pembroke Pines. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 151 in Lowell and 105 in Pembroke Pines. Monthly utility bills average approximately $604 in Lowell vs $420 in Pembroke Pines. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 118 in Lowell and 91 in Pembroke Pines. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 27-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $79,700 in Lowell and $85,900 in Pembroke Pines. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $60,840 and $77,387 respectively. Pembroke Pines residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,860/month to housing in Lowell vs $2,004/month in Pembroke Pines. In Lowell, median rent of $1,925/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Pembroke Pines, median rent of $1,900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 46 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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