Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Arlington is 16% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,389/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 6%
$73,519/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 17%
$276,400 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 17%
$1,420/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 19%
394,769
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $12,572/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Arlington or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lakeland?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lakeland?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,572/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Lakeland details →

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