Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Springfield is 4% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,114/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 17%
$51,339/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 19%
$222,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 3%
$1,276/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 10%
154,751
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $9,608/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Springfield or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Lakeland?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Lakeland?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,608/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Florida?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Lakeland details →

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