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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Los Angeles is 128% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,879/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 31%
$80,366/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 24%
$879,500 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 74%
$2,055/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 44%
3,857,897
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $19,419/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lakeland?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lakeland?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $19,419/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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