Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Lakeland is 25% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,299/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 27%
$60,947/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 14%
$229,100 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 44%
$1,149/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 20%
117,030
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $8,696/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Evansville — common questions

Is Lakeland or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Evansville?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Evansville?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $8,696/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Indiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Evansville details →