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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Modesto is 46% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,609/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 19%
$77,899/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 22%
$415,600 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 45%
$1,613/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
218,614
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $16,952/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 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

Modesto vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Modesto or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lakeland?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lakeland?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,952/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Lakeland

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon