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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fullerton is 138% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,124/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 39%
$104,219/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 42%
$859,600 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 73%
$2,251/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 49%
141,278
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $825/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $9,900/year.

Median household income is $43,272/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 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

Fullerton vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fullerton or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $825/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Lakeland?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $43,272/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fullerton and Lakeland

Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon