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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Austin is 63% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,655/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 22%
$91,461/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 33%
$512,700 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 55%
$1,747/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
967,862
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $30,514/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Austin or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lakeland?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lakeland?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $30,514/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Lakeland details →

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