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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Lakeland is 40% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,299/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 42%
$60,947/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 39%
$229,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 109%
$1,149/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 56%
117,030
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $23,670/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Lakeland or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $23,670/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Santa Maria

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton