Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Rochester is 26% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,039/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 25%
$46,628/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 31%
$120,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 90%
$1,009/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 14%
209,720
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $14,319/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Rochester or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Lakeland?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lakeland?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $14,319/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Lakeland

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon