Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Scottsdale is 101% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,910/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 32%
$107,372/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 43%
$709,900 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 68%
$1,824/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 37%
242,169
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $611/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $7,332/year.

Median household income is $46,425/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Lakeland?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $611/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Lakeland?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $46,425/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Florida?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Lakeland

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon