Cost of Living in Lake Wales, FL

With a cost of living index of 85, Lake Wales, FL is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 15% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Florida state average of 110. Lake Wales is a smaller community of 16,365 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lake Wales's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,060 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $225,900 (26% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Lake Wales is $55,799, which is 26% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Lake Wales. The area sees an average annual temperature of 74.6°F, with summers averaging 84°F and winters around 64°F. Annual rainfall totals 46.1 inches spread over roughly 128 days.

Everyday prices in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.