Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Arvada is 85% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,802/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 28%
$113,396/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 46%
$600,800 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 62%
$1,948/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 41%
122,835
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $52,449/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Arvada or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Lakeland?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Lakeland?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $52,449/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Lakeland details →

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