Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Yonkers is 62% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,730/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 25%
$81,816/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 26%
$478,000 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 52%
$1,759/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 35%
209,529
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $20,869/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Lakeland residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Yonkers or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Lakeland?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Lakeland?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $20,869/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Lakeland

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon