Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lakeland, FL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.0% cheaper than Lakeland, FL. This translates to saving $228 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Lakeland, FL?

If you earn $150,000 in Lakeland, FL, you'd need approximately $147,269.164 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lakeland, FL and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 4.5% more expensive than in Lakeland, FL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,304/month in Lakeland, FL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lakeland, FL to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Lakeland, FL to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $228 per month, or $2731 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakeland, FL vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $228/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.3K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$228

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.7K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$512K

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!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lakeland, FL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lakeland, FL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,362/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $106more	4.5%
📦Other	$1,756/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $48.40less	2.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,004/mo	$959/mo	↓ $45.18less	4.5%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$601/mo	↑ $39.24more	7.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,247/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $36.96more	3.0%
⚡All Utilities	$565/mo	$546/mo	↓ $19.00less	3.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 4.5%

Lakeland, FL

$2,362

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$106

📦Other

↓ 2.8%

Lakeland, FL

$1,756

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$48.40

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.5%

Lakeland, FL

$1,004

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$45.18

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.0%

Lakeland, FL

$562

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$39.24

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.0%

Lakeland, FL

$1,247

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$36.96

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

Lakeland, FL

$565

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$19.00

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,069

To$1,570

↑ $501

1 Bed

From$1,073

To$1,640

↑ $567

2 Bed

From$1,304

To$1,800

↑ $496

3 Bed

From$1,763

To$2,255

↑ $492

Lakeland, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,410/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$70.01

Difference

Home Values

Lakeland

Raleigh

$256K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -4.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$228K - $307K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 100% more expensive than Lakeland

Calculate payment - Lakeland Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $7.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$594

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lakeland, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.