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

Lakeland

Florida
82
VS

Ventura

California
183

Lakeland is 55% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,299/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 62%
$60,947/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 65%
$229,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 240%
$1,149/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 84%
117,030
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakeland, FL and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $802/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $9,624/year.

Median household income is $39,460/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakeland is $229,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakeland vs Ventura — common questions

Is Lakeland or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakeland and Ventura?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,299/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $802/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakeland or Ventura?
Median household income is $60,947 in Lakeland and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $39,460/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,299/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakeland details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakeland and Ventura

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