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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

McKinney is 68% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,841/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 29%
$120,273/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 49%
$439,500 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 48%
$2,101/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 45%
202,314
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $59,326/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Lakeland — common questions

Is McKinney or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Lakeland?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Lakeland?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $59,326/year higher in McKinney.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to McKinney or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Lakeland

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon