Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Philadelphia is 4% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,323/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 2%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,947/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 1%
$1,233/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 7%
1,582,432
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $249/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lakeland?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lakeland?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $249/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Florida?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Lakeland

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon