Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Raleigh is 34% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,468/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 12%
$82,424/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 26%
$377,800 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 39%
$1,487/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 23%
470,763
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $21,477/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Raleigh or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Lakeland?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Lakeland?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $21,477/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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