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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Surprise is 54% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,917/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 32%
$93,371/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 35%
$396,000 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 42%
$1,587/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 28%
149,519
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $32,424/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Surprise or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Lakeland?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Lakeland?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $32,424/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Lakeland

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon