Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Athens and Lakeland have a similar cost of living.

$1,162/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 12%
$51,655/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 18%
$271,800 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 16%
$1,163/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 1%
126,987
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $9,292/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Athens or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Lakeland?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Lakeland?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,292/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Lakeland

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon