Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Lakeland is 34% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,299/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 27%
$60,947/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 8%
$229,100 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 32%
$1,149/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 15%
117,030
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $4,590/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lakeland or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Springfield?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $4,590/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Springfield

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces