Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Cleveland is 38% cheaper than Lakeland.

$894/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 45%
$39,187/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 56%
$94,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 143%
$866/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 33%
367,523
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $21,760/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Cleveland or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Lakeland?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Lakeland?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $21,760/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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