Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Gilbert is 80% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,028/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 36%
$121,351/yr ↑ 99%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 50%
$518,600 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 56%
$1,908/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 40%
271,118
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $60,404/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Gilbert or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Lakeland?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Lakeland?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $60,404/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Lakeland

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon