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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Garland is 17% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,525/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 15%
$74,717/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 18%
$248,900 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 8%
$1,445/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
245,298
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $13,770/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Garland or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Lakeland?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Lakeland?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $13,770/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garland and Lakeland

Garland vs. Glendale Garland vs. Scottsdale Garland vs. Winston-Salem Garland vs. Boise Garland vs. Chesapeake Garland vs. Arlington Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon