Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Phoenix is 33% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,458/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 11%
$77,041/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 21%
$381,900 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 40%
$1,430/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
1,624,832
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $16,094/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Phoenix or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Lakeland?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Lakeland?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $16,094/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Lakeland details →

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