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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Worcester is 27% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,415/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 8%
$67,544/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 10%
$339,500 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 33%
$1,521/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 24%
205,501
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 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

Worcester vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Worcester or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Lakeland?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Lakeland?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $6,597/year higher in Worcester.
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 Worcester or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Lakeland

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon