Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Portland is 68% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,596/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 19%
$88,792/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 31%
$557,600 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 59%
$1,771/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
642,715
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $27,845/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Oregon's 9.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Portland or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Lakeland?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Lakeland?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $27,845/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Florida?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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.
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