Moving from Lakeland, FL to Pembroke Pines, FL
It is a 206 mi drive, roughly 4h 24m, between Lakeland, FL and Pembroke Pines, FL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
206 mi Β· 4h 24m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 27, SR 80, FL 60 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 17.5% above Lakeland β 97.141 β 114.155 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
17.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakeland | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 62.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.67 |
Pembroke Pines households earn about 17.5% more than Lakeland at the median β $60,947 β $81,675 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 17.5% higher than Lakeland (114.155 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $311,156 in Lakeland β a 56.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 206 mi and the route typically takes 4h 24m via US 27 and SR 80. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $60,947 in Lakeland β a 34.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 206 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.