Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Sacramento is 61% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,694/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 23%
$83,753/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 27%
$484,600 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 53%
$1,752/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
524,802
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $22,806/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Lakeland?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lakeland?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $22,806/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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