Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Lakewood is 72% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,746/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 26%
$85,789/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 29%
$548,200 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 58%
$1,729/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
156,309
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $24,842/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Lakewood or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Lakeland?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Lakeland?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $24,842/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Florida?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Lakeland details →

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