Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Plano is 61% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,792/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 28%
$108,649/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 44%
$440,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 48%
$1,829/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 37%
287,339
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $47,702/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Plano or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Lakeland?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Lakeland?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $47,702/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Lakeland

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon