DeLand, FL vs Lakeland, FL

DeLand, FL and Lakeland, FL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. DeLand scores 95 while Lakeland scores 92 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in DeLand is $1,159/month compared to $1,299/month in Lakeland — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while DeLand has cheaper rent, Lakeland actually has lower median home values ($229,100 vs $303,500).

Median household income in DeLand is $73,352 compared to $60,947 in Lakeland (+20.4%). While DeLand is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of DeLand spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Lakeland.