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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Atlanta is 49% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,617/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 20%
$81,938/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 26%
$420,600 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 46%
$1,695/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
499,287
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $20,991/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 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

Atlanta vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Atlanta or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Lakeland?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Lakeland?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $20,991/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Lakeland

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon