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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Downey

California
169

Lakeland is 51% cheaper than Downey.

$1,299/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 46%
$60,947/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 43%
$229,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 218%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 74%
117,030
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $26,453/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Downey — common questions

Is Lakeland or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Downey?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Downey?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $26,453/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Downey

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens