Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Lakeland, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 10.0% cheaper than Lakeland, FL. This translates to saving $752 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Lakeland, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Lakeland, FL, you'd need approximately $140,971.389 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakeland, FL and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 13.1% cheaper than in Lakeland, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,304/month in Lakeland, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lakeland, FL to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Lakeland, FL to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $752 per month, or $9029 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakeland, FL vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lakeland, FL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tampa, FL area

Current salary in Lakeland, FL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $752/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$752

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lakeland, FL

Population:122K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$256K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$263K

Lakeland, FL

The Sunshine State

122K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Florida, this city has a population of 122K residents.

💡 Advantage: Florida has no state income tax!

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakeland, FL vs Columbus, OH

Category	Lakeland, FL	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,362/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $309less	13.1%
📦Other	$1,756/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $199less	11.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,247/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $119more	9.5%
⚡All Utilities	$565/mo	$464/mo	↓ $101less	17.9%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$607/mo	↑ $45.44more	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$1,004/mo	$969/mo	↓ $35.19less	3.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.1%

Lakeland, FL

$2,362

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$309

less

📦Other

↓ 11.3%

Lakeland, FL

$1,756

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$199

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 9.5%

Lakeland, FL

$1,247

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$119

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.9%

Lakeland, FL

$565

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$101

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

Lakeland, FL

$562

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$45.44

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.5%

Lakeland, FL

$1,004

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$35.19

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Lakeland, FL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,069

To$1,020

↓ $49.00

1 Bed

From$1,073

To$1,100

↑ $27.00

2 Bed

From$1,304

To$1,315

↑ $11.00

3 Bed

From$1,763

To$1,575

↓ $188

Lakeland, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,410/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,497

Monthly in Lakeland, FL

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$480

Difference

Home Values

Lakeland

Columbus

$256K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$228K - $307K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 3% more expensive than Lakeland

Calculate payment - Lakeland Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$369

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.0%

Rate difference

Lakeland, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Lakeland, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.