Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Fort Lauderdale is 34% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $49,194 in Fort Lauderdale.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Lauderdale.
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