Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Mesa is 30% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,478/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 12%
$78,779/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 37%
$1,404/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 18%
507,478
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $17,832/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Mesa or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Lakeland?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Lakeland?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $17,832/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Lakeland

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon