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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lakeland is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,299/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 84%
$60,947/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 81%
$229,100 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 360%
$1,149/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 114%
117,030
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,096/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $13,152/year.

Median household income is $49,126/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lakeland or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,096/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,126/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Costa Mesa

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria