Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Elizabeth is 37% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,463/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 11%
$63,874/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$393,500 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 42%
$1,543/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
135,887
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $2,927/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Lakeland?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Lakeland?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $2,927/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Lakeland

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon