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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Glendale is 161% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,095/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 38%
$84,262/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 28%
$1,043,900 ↑ 356%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 78%
$2,212/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 48%
192,270
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $796/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $9,552/year.

Median household income is $23,315/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 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

Glendale vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Glendale or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Lakeland?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $796/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Lakeland?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $23,315/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Lakeland

Glendale vs. Vancouver Glendale vs. Providence Glendale vs. Knoxville Glendale vs. Akron Glendale vs. Peoria Glendale vs. Brownsville Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon