Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Lakeland is 23% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,299/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 13%
$60,947/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 27%
$229,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 47%
$1,149/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 35%
117,030
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $16,468/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Manchester — common questions

Is Lakeland or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Manchester?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Manchester?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $16,468/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Hampshire?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Manchester details →

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