Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Kansas City is 21% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,073/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 21%
$59,183/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 3%
$147,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 56%
$1,054/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 9%
154,776
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $1,764/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Kansas City or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Lakeland?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Lakeland?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $1,764/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Florida?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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