Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Houston is 21% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $59,016 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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