Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Tacoma is 54% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,597/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 19%
$83,857/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 27%
$454,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 50%
$1,747/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 34%
220,482
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $22,910/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Lakeland?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Lakeland?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $22,910/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Florida?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Lakeland details →

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