Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Orlando is 40% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,650/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 21%
$69,268/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 12%
$359,000 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 36%
$1,621/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 29%
311,732
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $8,321/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Orlando or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Lakeland?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Lakeland?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $8,321/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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 Orlando details → View Lakeland details →

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