Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Lakeland is 20% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,299/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 24%
$60,947/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↑ 34%
$229,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 18%
$1,149/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 34%
117,030
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $20,851/year higher in South Fulton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Lakeland or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and South Fulton?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or South Fulton?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $20,851/year higher in South Fulton.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Georgia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and South Fulton

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