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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Pasadena is 168% more expensive than Lakeland.

$2,218/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 41%
$103,778/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 41%
$1,045,000 ↑ 356%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 78%
$2,340/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 51%
136,462
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $919/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $11,028/year.

Median household income is $42,831/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 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

Pasadena vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Pasadena or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Lakeland?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $919/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Lakeland?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $42,831/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Lakeland details →

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