Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

New Haven is 16% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,442/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 10%
$53,771/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 13%
$249,000 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 8%
$1,520/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
132,893
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $7,176/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Lakeland — common questions

Is New Haven or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Lakeland?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Lakeland?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $7,176/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Florida?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Lakeland

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon