Cost of Living: Lakeland, FL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Lakeland is 41% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,299/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 38%
$60,947/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 132%
$229,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 109%
$1,149/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 74%
117,030
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $80,406/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Lakeland or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $80,406/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and The Woodlands

Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon Lakeland vs. Richardson The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan The Woodlands vs. Cambridge