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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fort Worth is 18% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,412/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 8%
$76,602/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 20%
$277,300 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 17%
$1,489/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 23%
941,311
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $15,655/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Lakeland?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $15,655/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and Lakeland

Fort Worth vs. Jacksonville Fort Worth vs. Columbus Fort Worth vs. Austin Fort Worth vs. Charlotte Fort Worth vs. San Jose Fort Worth vs. Indianapolis Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon