Cost of Living: Clearwater, FL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Clearwater

Florida
105
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Clearwater is 28% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,539/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 16%
$64,440/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$326,100 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 30%
$1,411/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 19%
117,075
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Clearwater, FL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $3,493/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Clearwater is $326,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clearwater vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Clearwater or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Clearwater and Lakeland?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,539/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Clearwater or Lakeland?
Median household income is $64,440 in Clearwater and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $3,493/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Clearwater or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,539/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 Clearwater details → View Lakeland details →

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