Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

St. Petersburg is 29% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,542/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 16%
$73,118/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 17%
$331,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 31%
$1,435/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 20%
260,646
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $12,171/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Lakeland — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Lakeland?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Lakeland?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,171/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Florida?
Both cities are in Florida and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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 St. Petersburg details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Lakeland

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon