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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Lakeland is 53% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,299/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 79%
$60,947/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 80%
$229,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 165%
$1,149/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 107%
117,030
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,031/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $12,372/year.

Median household income is $48,833/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Lakeland or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Murrieta?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,031/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Murrieta?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $48,833/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Murrieta

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