Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Newark is 22% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,330/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 2%
$48,416/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 26%
$337,800 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 32%
$1,419/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 19%
307,188
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,531/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Newark or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lakeland?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lakeland?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,531/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Lakeland

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon