Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Durham is 28% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,412/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 8%
$79,234/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 23%
$355,300 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 36%
$1,434/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
288,465
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $18,287/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Durham or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Lakeland?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Lakeland?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $18,287/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Lakeland

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon