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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Denton is 22% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,344/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 3%
$73,719/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 17%
$325,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 30%
$1,461/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 21%
146,987
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,772/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Denton 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 Denton and Lakeland?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Lakeland?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,772/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Lakeland

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon