Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Chicago is 22% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,380/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 6%
$75,134/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 27%
$1,502/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
2,707,648
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $14,187/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Chicago or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Lakeland?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Lakeland?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $14,187/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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