Missing!
Commuting From Lakeland To Tampa? Is it Worth It?
Do you work
in Tampa, and Live in Lakeland? Is the commute really worth it?
Today we’re
going to look the Top pros and cons in
making that determination.
Did you know, out of the Top 100 Highest paying jobs in Lakeland (except doctors and high level medical specialist), that over 80% of those jobs have an entry level, average salary of $42,000 a year? Not bad considering the National average is 41,000 a year.
But take a look at this:
For the same Top 100 jobs in Tampa there is a significant salary increase.. Especially in the medical and tech fields.
To put this in perspective: If you have a Job paying $50,000 a year in Tampa, you can expect the salary of that same job to decrease to $42,000 in Lakeland on average.
To see where your income falls on Top 100 Highest paying Jobs, I put the link to these lists below….
If you drive each day from Lakeland to Tampa, chances are you have to get on I-4.
There is only one East West Interstate connecting Tampa,Lakeland and Orlando. Many dread this drive because of the congestion, lots of semi trucks, worn road, and for some reason, this particular interstate has a reputation for crazy drivers.
So is the average 8.5% higher paycheck still worth the commute?
Let’s take a look at what 8.5% gets you by living in Lakeland and working in Tampa:
Looking at this cost of living index comparing Tampa to Lakeland, there’s one huge difference that jumps off the page. Check out the median home prices..a Whooping 25.9% difference.
To show you what 25.9% looks like , this 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage home WITH a pool Sold recently for $400,000 in Tampa. The property taxes were $4700 a year.
Compared to this 4 bedroom 3 bath, 3 car garage Pool home that just sold in Lakeland for $350,000. Property taxes were $3100 a year.
Looking at even a lower price point:
This 4 bedroom 2 bath Newly constructed home just sold for $407,000 in Tampa.
This 4 bedroom 2 bath home in a Newer Community sold for $261,000 just last month in Lakeland.
I did a little math for you:
Average Monthly 2 person household Income (working in Tampa) $8300.00
Average Monthly House Payment Savings ( Home + Taxes | Tampa vs Lakeland) + $367.00
Average (2.3%) savings in lower Food and Grocery Items + $44.00
Average increase (1.8%) for Utilities - $5.40
Average Monthly Household ( housing,food utilities) $405.60
That’s over 11% TOTAL Monthly Savings Difference
And that’s not counting the lower Health care costs, costs of transportation, and miscellaneous costs like restaurants and entertainment (an average of 3% lower in Lakeland).
All that being said, IS the commute from Lakeland to Tampa worth it?
Simply put, if the average increase in pay is 8.5% by working in Tampa and the average difference in your core living expenses is 11% by living in Lakeland... You’re actually Making Money by living in Lakeland!
For a closer look at the Cost of Living in Lakeland, you’ll want to Check out my earlier video.
And if you or someone you know is thinking about relocating to our beautiful City, please enjoy my Free 21 page, guide: Relocating to Lakeland.
I’m Lisa Kelly Lakeland Homes and Lifestyles with Premier Realty.
Until then, I’ll see you on the next one.