Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Fresno is 12% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $65,779 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Fresno scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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