Lakeland, FL vs Sarasota, FL: Cost of Living Comparison
Lakeland has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lakeland | Sarasota | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 80 | 108 | Lakeland |
| Housing | 66 ($909) | 118 ($1,060) | Lakeland |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 100 ($3.50) | Sarasota |
| Food & groceries | 82 ($336) | 94 ($385) | Lakeland |
| Utilities | 83 ($119) | 109 ($212) | Lakeland |
| Healthcare | 83 ($86) | 109 ($153) | 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 Lakeland, FL or Sarasota, FL cheaper to live in?
Lakeland, FL is cheaper overall by about 28 index points (Lakeland, FL: 80, Sarasota, FL: 108; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lakeland, FL vs Sarasota, FL?
A single adult needs roughly $28,000/year in Lakeland, FL and $37,800/year in Sarasota, FL to cover basic living costs.