Cost of Living: Fairfield, CA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fairfield is 104% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,191/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 41%
$102,321/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 40%
$592,500 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 61%
$2,226/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 48%
119,985
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $41,374/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fairfield or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Lakeland?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $41,374/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fairfield or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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 Fairfield details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fairfield and Lakeland

Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon