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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Ontario is 85% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,916/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 32%
$82,806/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 26%
$568,000 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 60%
$1,967/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 42%
178,347
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $21,859/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 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

Ontario vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Ontario or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Lakeland?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Lakeland?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $21,859/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Lakeland

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon