Fort Myers, FL vs Lakeland, FL: Cost of Living Comparison
Lakeland has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Fort Myers | Lakeland | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 80 | Lakeland |
| Housing | 101 ($1,009) | 66 ($909) | Lakeland |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Fort Myers |
| Food & groceries | 83 ($340) | 82 ($336) | Lakeland |
| Utilities | 101 ($182) | 83 ($119) | Lakeland |
| Healthcare | 101 ($131) | 83 ($86) | Lakeland |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,880) | 99 ($47,880) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Myers, FL or Lakeland, FL cheaper to live in?
Lakeland, FL is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Fort Myers, FL: 98, Lakeland, FL: 80; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fort Myers, FL vs Lakeland, FL?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Fort Myers, FL and $28,000/year in Lakeland, FL to cover basic living costs.