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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Long Beach is 106% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,803/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 28%
$83,969/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 27%
$762,200 ↑ 233%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 70%
$1,890/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 39%
458,491
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $23,022/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lakeland?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lakeland?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $23,022/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Lakeland details →

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