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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Carrollton is 41% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,674/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 22%
$99,115/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 39%
$353,600 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 35%
$1,689/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 32%
132,741
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $38,168/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Carrollton or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Lakeland?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Lakeland?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $38,168/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Lakeland

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon