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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Dallas is 18% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,403/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 7%
$67,760/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 10%
$295,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 22%
$1,409/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 18%
1,299,553
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $6,813/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Dallas or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Lakeland?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Lakeland?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $6,813/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Lakeland details →

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