Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Miami Gardens, FL (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Lakeland is 29% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,299/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 32%
$60,947/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,979/yr ≈ Same
$229,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 47%
$1,149/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 43%
117,030
Population
111,264

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $32/year higher in Miami Gardens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Lakeland or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $32/year higher in Miami Gardens.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Miami Gardens

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula