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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

College Station is 11% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,168/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 11%
$51,776/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 18%
$326,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 30%
$1,251/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 8%
122,280
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $9,171/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Lakeland — common questions

Is College Station or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Lakeland?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Lakeland?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,171/year higher in Lakeland.
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 College Station or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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 College Station details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for College Station and Lakeland

College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon