Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Lakeland is 39% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,299/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 10%
$60,947/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 12%
$229,100 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 168%
$1,149/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 27%
117,030
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $7,431/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Lakeland or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $7,431/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and East Los Angeles

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