Moving from Lakeland, FL to Pompano Beach, FL
The 204 mi from Lakeland to Pompano Beach translate to about 4h 6m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
204 mi Β· 4h 6m by car Β· FL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | FL 60, US 98, FL 548 |
| Major cities en route | Palm Bay, Port St Lucie, West Palm Beach, Coral Springs, Davie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Pompano Beach | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.141 in Lakeland to 114.155 in Pompano Beach, a 17.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Pompano Beach at $351,517 is 17.5% above Lakeland at $311,156.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Pompano Beach -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakeland | Pompano Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 60Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 55.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, POMPANO BEACH AIRPARK, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Pompano Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 112,212 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $63,832 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 41.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.37 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pompano Beach 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 Pompano Beach average 91Β°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: Pompano Beach averages 55.6 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
How does the job market in Pompano Beach compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pompano Beach 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.
How far is Pompano Beach, FL from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 204 mi and the route typically takes 4h 6m via FL 60 and US 98. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pompano Beach more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pompano Beach is 17.5% higher than Lakeland (114.155 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland to Pompano Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 204 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Pompano Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,832 in Pompano Beach vs $60,947 in Lakeland β a 4.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pompano Beach compared to Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $351,517 in Pompano Beach vs $311,156 in Lakeland β a 13.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL Β· Pompano Beach, FL.