Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Denver is 79% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,770/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 27%
$91,681/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 34%
$586,700 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 61%
$1,839/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 38%
713,734
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $30,734/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Denver or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lakeland?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lakeland?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $30,734/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Lakeland

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