Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Lakeland is 39% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,299/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 49%
$60,947/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 126%
$229,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 77%
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 71%
117,030
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $76,564/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Lakeland or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $76,564/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lakeland or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Sugar Land

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