City vs city
Lakeland, FL vs Rochester, MN
- Rent is 0% lower in Lakeland (median $1,395/mo vs $1,399/mo in Rochester).
- Homes cost 24% less in Lakeland ($249k vs $311k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $302 more a month after taxes and rent in Lakeland.
- Lakeland has no state income tax on wages; Rochester does.
- Schools rate higher in Rochester (7.9/10 vs 3.9/10).
- Rochester has less violent crime (2 vs 3.7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lakeland has milder winters (62°F vs 15°F average).
- Lakeland gets more sun (233 vs 181 sunny days a year).
| Lakeland | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,395/mo | $1,399/mo |
| Median home value | $249k | $311k |
| Median household income | $64k | $89k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,738 | $3,436 |
| State income tax on wages | None | Yes |
| School rating | 3.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Violent crime | about the US rate | 44% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 92°F | 80°F |
| Winter average | 62°F | 15°F |
| Sunny days a year | 233 | 181 |
| Walk score | 52 | 34 |
| Population | 119,961 | 122,330 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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