Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Jacksonville is 12% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,375/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 6%
$66,981/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 9%
$266,100 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 14%
$1,324/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 13%
961,739
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $6,034/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Lakeland?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Lakeland?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $6,034/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Lakeland details →

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