Davenport, FL vs. Lakeland, FL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Florida city wins on cost in 2025: Davenport or Lakeland? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life expenses of living in Davenport vs Lakeland. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Davenport and Lakeland stack up:
| Housing Type | Davenport | Lakeland |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $325,000 | $360,000 |
🏆 Winner: Davenport. Rent and home prices are about 10% lower in Davenport compared to Lakeland.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In central Florida, utility bills can vary significantly between summer and winter. Typical monthly costs:
- Davenport: $180 in summer, $120 in winter
- Lakeland: $200 in summer, $140 in winter
Both cities offer off-peak savings plans to help manage costs. Lakeland also has slightly higher water and waste fees.
🏆 Winner: Davenport. Utility costs average about 10% less in Davenport.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are very similar between the two cities, with Davenport coming in about 5% lower on average. Eating out is also comparable, though Lakeland has a few more upscale options that can increase costs for frequent diners.
🏆 Winner: Davenport, but only slightly. Most daily expenses are nearly equal.
4. Taxes and Fees
Florida has no state income tax, so that’s even across both cities. However, some other taxes and fees differ:
- Property Tax Rate: 0.83% in Davenport, 0.92% in Lakeland
- Typical HOA Fees: $200-400/mo in Davenport, $250-450/mo in Lakeland
🏆 Winner: Davenport. Lower property taxes can add up, especially for homeowners.
5. Cost of Living in Davenport vs Lakeland
| Category | Davenport | Lakeland |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $150 | $170 |
| Groceries | $400 | $420 |
| Transportation | $350 | $325 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $350 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,150 | $3,365 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Davenport offers a quieter, suburban feel with more space between neighbors. Lakeland provides an urban-suburban mix with better walkability but also more traffic and noise. Lakeland averages 2°F warmer than Davenport in July.
A household moving from Lakeland to Davenport might save $400/month on housing alone. However, Lakeland has more public transportation and airport access. Ultimately, budget and personal preferences will determine which city fits best.
7. FAQ
Is Davenport more affordable than Lakeland?
Yes, Davenport has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing, utilities, and property taxes.
Which city has lower rent?
Davenport rents average about 10% less than comparable apartments in Lakeland.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices in Davenport are roughly $35,000 lower than in Lakeland as of 2025. Davenport also has a lower property tax rate.
8. Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Davenport comes out ahead on overall affordability in this cost of living comparison. Davenport is ideal for those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly suburb, while Lakeland better suits urban commuters who don’t mind paying a bit more.
Of course, every household is unique. To better understand your individual costs, check out our guides on budgeting in Davenport and the full cost of living breakdown:
- Can You Afford to Live in Davenport? Monthly Budget Guide
- Cost of Living in Davenport, FL: Full 2025 Breakdown