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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Arlington is 148% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,275/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 43%
$140,160/yr ↑ 130%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 57%
$864,800 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 74%
$2,414/mo ↑ 110%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 52%
235,463
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $976/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $11,712/year.

Median household income is $79,213/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Lakeland?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $976/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Lakeland?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $79,213/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Lakeland

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon